In this article, recruitment specialists at our engineering recruitment firm explain why it is important to ask questions during an interview, with examples of what to ask at different stages of the process.

Why ask questions during an interview?

Asking the recruiter questions during an interview shows your interest and shows that you came prepared. It reveals that you've spent time researching the company and understanding the position, and demonstrates that you're seriously interested in the opportunity, which can set you apart from other candidates. It's not just up to an employer to ask engineering interview questions!

Your goal should be to assess whether you and the company are a good fit. A job interview is not only a one-way assessment, but also an opportunity to figure out whether the company and the position match your professional goals and values. Asking questions will help you make an informed decision.

Remember that a job interview is a conversation, not an interrogation. Ideally, you will have a dialogue with the recruiter. By asking questions, the exchange can be more interactive and go further in-depth, which may strengthen your connection with the recruiter and leave a positive impression. It’s also a good way to showcase your great communication skills. ;)

Ask questions about the company

Asking questions about the company during an interview shows your level of interest in the opportunity, and in the company's culture, mission and values. It helps you assess whether the job would be a good fit with your career goals, and shows that you're looking for a position that really suits your ambitions.

Examples of questions to ask at the end of an interview

• Can you tell me about the company's mission and values? Find out whether a company's culture matches your own values and professional goals.
• What are some key upcoming projects? Learn about the company's goals for the near future so you can assess what your role might be in making them a reality.
• How does the company promote the professional development and growth of its employees? Assess development opportunities within the organization and demonstrate your commitment to lifelong learning.
• Can you give me a recent example of the company’s success? Get an overview of the company's recent achievements and find extra motivation to join the team.
• How does the company measure employee satisfaction and encourage a positive work environment? Get an insight into the company's commitment to employee well-being, a major part of a positive work experience.

Ask questions about the recruitment process

A candidate should have a clear picture of what's coming next so they can be prepared. Asking about the recruitment process not only helps you get ready but also shows that you're committed to the position and taking initiative to secure the job. Plus, it's a great way to gauge how carefully the company chooses candidates, which can impact your decision on whether to move forward with them.

Examples of questions about recruitment

• What are the next steps in the recruitment process, and what's the timetable for each one? Get familiar with deadlines so you can prepare and plan for the steps ahead.
• Can you tell me more about the selection criteria or specific skills you're looking for in the ideal candidate? Gain a better understanding of the employer's expectations and tailor your preparations accordingly.
• Which people or departments are involved in the recruitment process, and what can you tell me about how candidates are chosen? Get an overview of how the recruitment process is structured and who is involved.
• Are there any specific assessments or tests that candidates must take? Find out which assessments or exams you may have to take so you can be prepared.
• How does the company usually communicate results to candidates? Learn how you will be informed of decisions and the status of your application.

Ask questions about the job

Getting a clearer picture of what's expected in the role can be helpful, especially if the interview left you with some uncertainties. It’s important to figure out if the position lines up with your skills and career goals so you can steer clear of any clashes between what you're expecting and what the job's really about.

Asking questions about the job not only prepares you for the next steps but also allows you to adjust your answers. You can highlight the skills and experience that match up with what you know the recruiter is looking for. This shows you’ve done your homework and are ready for whatever comes next in the selection process.

Examples of questions about the job

• Can you tell me more about the day-to-day responsibilities of this position? Get a clear picture of what a typical day would look like in this role and try to assess whether the position would be a good fit.
• What are the top priorities for this position in the first six months? Get an overview of immediate expectations and short-term goals so you can prepare for the job.
• How does this position fit into the broader team or department? Learn how your job fits into the organization as a whole, and how much internal collaboration you can expect.
• What key skills or qualities are you looking for in the ideal candidate for this position? Find out which skills and experience you should highlight during the interview, if these haven’t already been discussed.
• How do you measure success? Get information on performance criteria and long-term objectives so you can understand how your work will be assessed.

Questions to ask about career prospects

This reveals your big-picture thinking, indicating that you view the job as more than just a quick gig—it's a stepping stone in your career journey.

This is a chance to figure out if the company will be a good place to grow professionally. You can find out about chances for promotion, what it takes to move up, and any programs in place for professional development. Answers will help you decide if the company can support your career goals.

Basically, asking about career prospects demonstrates that you're a considerate and driven candidate, ready to put in the time and effort to contribute to the company's success while also growing your skills and career.

Examples of questions about career prospects

• Can you give me concrete examples of internal success stories and of employees who have progressed within the company? Get real-life examples of how employees have advanced their careers, and understand what a successful career path within the organization could look like.
• What performance criteria or milestones do you consider important to progress within the company? Understand company expectations and find out which goals you need to achieve to access growth opportunities.
• Are there specific training or professional development programs for employees who want to progress within the company? Get an overview of the resources available to support your ongoing professional development.
• Does the company prioritize internal promotion versus external recruitment for management positions? The answer can reveal the company's commitment to developing its own talent.
• Can you tell me about your own career path within the company and how you got to your current position? Asking a senior manager or executive this question can provide you with an inspiring example of progression within the organization.

Questions to ask about your predecessor and the team

When you're asking about your predecessor and the team you might join, you're not just getting a feel for the work environment. You're also figuring out what your role could be, which is especially important if you're stepping into someone else's shoes. Remember, be careful to keep your questions from sounding too suspicious. It's not about digging into why your predecessor left (you can ask, but it's a bit touchy), but more about how you can fit in and do the job well.

Feel free to ask the employer about any challenges the team is facing. This way you can think about how you may tackle any possible difficulties. Try to find out about the team: what are their strengths, and how do they contribute to the company's goals? Asking questions like these is a good way to see where you could really shine if you end up taking on the role.

Examples of questions about the team and its history

• Can you tell me about the team I'll be working with?
• Who will I be working with directly?
• What was my predecessor’s background?
• How does the team work together?
• And you can end the interview with: Have I answered all your questions, or is there anything else you’d like to know about me?

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