The Best Questions to Ask in an Interview (and Why) – Make a Lasting Impression and Land the Job

Preparing for an interview involves more than just rehearsing answers to typical questions like “Tell me about yourself.” One of the most powerful ways to leave a lasting impression on your interviewer is by asking insightful, well-thought-out questions. The right questions not only help you gain valuable insights into the company and the role but also demonstrate your genuine interest and commitment to the position. In this blog, we’ll explore the best questions to ask in an interview—and why they can help you stand out, build rapport, and ultimately land the job.

1. "What does success look like in this role?"

Asking about success in the role shows that you are not just interested in getting the job, but in excelling at it. Employers are looking for candidates who understand the expectations and goals of the role. By asking this question, you demonstrate your willingness to align your work with the company's objectives and a keen interest in the value you can bring to the team.

This question also allows you to understand how performance is measured. Is it through meeting specific sales goals? Is it based on customer satisfaction or project deadlines? Understanding these key success indicators early on can help you gauge whether the company’s expectations align with your strengths and working style.

2. "Can you describe the company culture and the types of employees who tend to succeed here?"

Company culture is often one of the most overlooked yet crucial factors in your job satisfaction and long-term success. By asking about the culture, you demonstrate that you are looking for more than just a paycheck—you want a place where you can thrive, contribute meaningfully, and grow.

This question gives you insight into the company’s values, work environment, and the personalities that align with the role. Is the work environment collaborative or more independent? Does the company prioritize innovation, or is it more focused on maintaining steady operations? Understanding these dynamics is essential to making sure you’ll fit in with the team and that the company’s ethos matches your own values.

3. "What are the opportunities for professional development and growth within the company?"

Employers want to know that you’re committed to developing your skills and advancing your career. By asking about professional growth opportunities, you show that you have a long-term vision for your career and are looking for a role that will provide you with the resources and opportunities to evolve.

This question helps you gauge the company's commitment to employee development. Do they offer mentorship programs, training, or access to conferences? Are there clear career progression paths, or is advancement based on tenure and seniority? A company that invests in its employees’ development can be a great indicator of long-term job satisfaction and opportunities for growth.

4. "What challenges is the team or department currently facing, and how can this role help address them?"

Asking about the challenges facing the team shows that you’re thinking proactively and are ready to contribute from day one. It also signals that you’re not afraid to tackle difficult situations and solve problems. Understanding the obstacles the team is dealing with will give you valuable context about the role and its potential impact.

Whether it’s a need for better project management, tackling an increase in workload, or improving client relationships, this question allows you to demonstrate how your unique skill set could directly address the pain points the team is experiencing. It also shows that you’re focused on adding value, rather than just focusing on your own needs or responsibilities.

5. "How does the company support work-life balance?"

Work-life balance is a critical factor for many job seekers today, and it’s important to know what the company offers in terms of flexibility and support. Whether it’s remote work options, flexible hours, or a culture that values time away from the office, asking this question helps you assess whether the role aligns with your personal and professional needs.

This question also signals to the employer that you value a healthy balance between work and personal life, which is a quality that many companies are now prioritizing. With many organizations adjusting to flexible work arrangements post-pandemic, this question can provide insight into how the company has adapted and whether they prioritize employee well-being.

6. "Can you tell me about the team I’ll be working with?"

Understanding the dynamics of the team you’ll be joining is essential to knowing if you’ll fit in with the people you’ll be collaborating with day-to-day. This question allows you to gain a deeper understanding of the team culture, the interpersonal dynamics, and how they work together to meet company goals.

You can ask about team size, the communication styles, and the role of collaboration within the team. Are they cross-functional teams, or do people tend to work in silos? This question helps you assess how you might fit in and whether the work environment suits your style and preferences.

7. "What are the next steps in the interview process?"

Ending the interview with this question is a great way to show your eagerness and ensure you understand what’s coming next. This is also a way to establish clear expectations for follow-up and help you plan your next steps.

It also signals to the employer that you’re genuinely interested in moving forward, and you’re keen to know how the decision-making process works. This proactive approach can demonstrate that you’re organized, professional, and respectful of their time.

Bonus Tip: Optimize Your Resume for ATS Success

While the right questions are key to impressing the interviewer, ensuring your resume stands out in the first place is crucial. With most companies using Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter resumes, you need to ensure your resume is formatted correctly and contains the right keywords to pass through these systems.

At Resume Ninjas, we specialize in creating ATS-friendly resumes that increase your chances of getting noticed by hiring managers. Our team crafts resumes tailored to your career goals and optimized to ensure they meet the standards of modern ATS systems. Contact us today for a personalized consultation and get your career documents in shape to land interviews!

For more great interview advice, check out Indeed’s Interview Tips and Glassdoor’s Common Interview Questions. These resources are valuable for anyone looking to improve their interview preparation and increase their chances of landing the job.

Conclusion
Asking the right questions in an interview isn’t just about gathering information—it’s a powerful way to show your engagement, demonstrate your expertise, and build rapport with the hiring manager. By asking insightful, strategic questions, you position yourself as a candidate who is not only qualified but also a great cultural fit and forward-thinking. These questions can help you assess whether the role is right for you while also impressing your potential employer with your professionalism.

And don’t forget—before you step into the interview room, ensure your resume is ATS-friendly. At Resume Ninjas, we’re here to help you craft a resume that gets noticed. Schedule your free consultation today and get started on your journey to a successful career!

Amen Dadwal