What to Ask at the End of a Job Interview

You know that moment at the end of a job interview when the employer asks, “Do you have any questions for us?”

Most people panic a little. They smile politely and say, “No, I think you’ve covered everything,” even though they still have no idea what it is actually like to work there.

That is not because they do not care, it is because they have not prepared. They have focused so much on answering questions that they forget the interview goes both ways.

Asking the right questions is not about trying to impress the interviewer. It is your chance to learn how things really work, how the team communicates, what success looks like, and whether you will feel supported when things do not go perfectly.

This guide will help you ask better questions that reveal what a job and company are truly like day to day.

The Interview Goes Both Ways

Most candidates walk into an interview focused on one thing, answering questions well enough to get the job. But the best interviews work both ways. You are not only there to talk about your experience, you are also there to find out whether this company, this team, and this manager are right for you.

That does not mean the employer needs to have every perk or a long list of training programs. What matters is whether you can see yourself working comfortably there, learning, contributing, and being treated with respect.

As you listen and observe during the interview, pay attention to what it feels like to be in the room. Notice how the interviewer talks about the team and how they describe challenges or mistakes. Do they sound proud of their people and open about how they work, or guarded and rehearsed?

Small cues often tell you the most about culture. The way they speak about feedback, teamwork, and everyday pressures will give you a sense of how they operate when things are not perfect.

What to listen for: openness, honesty, and whether their examples sound genuine and human.

What has made you happy at work?

Before your next interview, take a minute to think about what you really want from your next job. What has made you happy at work in the past? What kind of people bring out your best? When do you feel most confident and engaged?

Maybe it was being trusted to make decisions, having a supportive manager who gave you feedback, or being part of a team that genuinely had fun together. Whatever it is, those are the clues to what matters most for you going forward.

Then think about the times when you have been less happy at work. What was missing? Maybe it was direction, communication, or a sense of being valued. Knowing what has not worked for you helps you recognise warning signs faster when you meet a new employer.

Example Questions to Ask at the End of the Interview

These questions go beyond the usual “what does the role involve” and help you discover how the business really runs. You do not need to ask them all, just pick a few that matter most to you.

1. Culture and Values

• How would you describe the company culture?
• What do your best employees say they enjoy about working here?
• When things go wrong, how does the team respond?
• How are achievements recognised and celebrated?

What to listen for: honest, specific answers instead of generic buzzwords.

2. Expectations and Success

• What would success look like in the first three months?
• In twelve months, what would you hope to see that shows I am doing this job well?
• What are the biggest priorities for this role right now?
• What is something the last person in this role did really well?

What to listen for: clear expectations, supportive leadership, and realistic goals.

3. Working Style and Communication

• What does a normal day or week look like in this role?
• How do you usually communicate as a team, meetings, chat, or email?
• How do you prefer people handle mistakes or feedback?
• What is something I could do that would drive you crazy?
• How do you usually bring new people up to speed when they start?
• What kind of training or shadowing do you offer in the first few weeks?

What to listen for: balance between structure, trust, and good communication.

4. Flexibility and Work life Balance

• What would happen if I needed a few hours off for a dentist or school event?
• Is there flexibility around start and finish times?
• How do you manage workload in busy periods?
• Are there peak times when the role is more demanding?

What to listen for: honesty about how flexibility works in real life.

5. Growth and Development

• How do you support employees who want to grow or take on new challenges?
• Can you share an example of someone who has progressed internally?
• Are there training programs, mentoring, or informal learning opportunities?
• How do you help new hires build confidence and independence in their role?
• How often do you review goals and performance?

What to listen for: real examples that show they invest in their people, not just talk about it.

What to Reflect on After the Interview

Once you leave, do not just focus on whether you answered everything perfectly. Ask yourself:

• Did I feel comfortable in the conversation?
• Were they genuinely curious about me, or rushing through questions?
• Could I picture myself spending most of my week with these people?
• Did their answers feel aligned with how I like to work?

If you are not sure, that is okay. Sometimes your gut gives you the clearest answer. The goal is not to find a perfect job, it is to find one where you will feel respected, trusted, and able to do your best work.

Struggling to Picture What This Looks Like?

If you are still not sure what asking these questions in an interview might look like in real terms, here is a quick example.

Let’s say you are someone who likes things explained clearly before you take action. You are capable and motivated, but you do your best work when you understand the “why” behind a task, not just the “what.”

One candidate I worked with was exactly like that. In her previous role, her first week was a blur of vague instructions and unspoken expectations. She was not shy about learning, but no one ever showed her how to do things the right way or gave feedback until something went wrong. It left her second guessing herself.

When she interviewed for her next job, she decided to ask different questions. She asked, “How do you onboard new staff and get them up to speed?” and “What is your approach to training or shadowing for this role?”

That conversation told her everything she needed to know. The manager described how new team members shadow someone for the first few weeks, have regular check-ins, and can ask questions without feeling like a burden. She walked out of that interview confident she had found the right fit.

Final Thought

Interviews are not tests. They are conversations. The more curious and open you are, the more insight you will gain about whether a company deserves you.

The interview isn’t just their chance to get to know you – it’s your chance to get to know them.
Ask real questions, trust your instincts, and find a workplace that feels like the right fit for who you are.

Remember, the interview is a two-way street; it’s just as important for you to check out your new workplace as it is for them to check your skills and experience. We have a free question planner below but you can also see lots of resoures here.