Best Questions to Ask the Interviewer in 2026

When preparing for an interview, putting together a list of your own questions for the employer ensures you don’t come off as disinterested at the end of the interview when they ask you if you have any questions for them.

We cover eight interview questions you can ask to gain a clearer picture of your target job and leave a positive impression.

1. How has your company adapted to recent industry changes or trends?

Showing interviewers that you’re aware of industry trends indicates that you stay up-to-date on information relevant to your career and that you’re capable of adapting to changes.

Additionally, an interviewer’s response to this question can give you a lot of information about how adaptable or cutting-edge the company is.

By inquiring about how a company adapts to trends, especially in areas like AI, you can position yourself as a candidate who’s not only aware of industry shifts but also prepared to navigate them effectively.

2. What two or three qualities define a top performer at your company?

Asking this question signals your ambition to join the team and excel in it. By understanding what makes a top performer you set yourself up for success, because you’ll better understand what type of employee the organization wants.

Use the insights you learn from this question as a springboard for deeper conversation, such as asking specifically about company success metrics and previous or ongoing initiatives

For instance, if a critical trait is “innovation,” try asking the follow-up question: “Could you share an example of a project where a team member’s innovation benefited the company?”

Continuing the dialogue will not only show that you’re enthusiastic and engaged but also provide you with more valuable information about the company’s expectations and how they evaluate performance.

3. How does your company foster professional development and career growth?

During an interview, you’re probably just focused on securing the job, but it’s also necessary to think about your future career trajectory. Can this company be a step forward in your career?

Asking this question will help give you the information you need to decide whether the job you’re interviewing for supports your long-term goals.

According to LinkedIn’s Workforce Learning report, employees prioritize “progress toward career goals” as their top motivation to learn.

Additionally, employers love receiving this question from applicants because it shows that you’re committed to growing as a professional and fine-tuning your skills.

4. Can you share more about the specific team that I’d be working with if hired?

This question is a great way for you to find out if your skills will complement or enhance the existing team.

After learning more about the hard and soft skills or interpersonal dynamics of your potential coworkers, you’ll have the opportunity to highlight any of your skills that could bridge a gap or provide additional support.

With teamwork, communication, and critical thinking showing up as some of the most in-demand workplace skills, familiarizing yourself with your team’s dynamics beforehand will help you onboard smoothly and promote a collaborative and productive work environment.

5. What do you think is the most challenging aspect of this job?

Asking about potential challenges in the role gives you a heads-up about any issues or red flags that might turn you off from the company.

Plus, it’s a chance for you to show off your transferable skills by discussing any relevant experiences you have dealing with a similar challenge.

6. Can you describe the company’s culture and core values?

Finding a company whose culture aligns with your values is essential for job satisfaction and long-term success. By asking about culture, you’re not just looking to fit in, but to thrive and contribute meaningfully.

For example, feeling recognized and valued is crucial for many employees. A 2023 Gallup survey found that when employees feel recognized, seven in 10 of those workers feel a strong connection to their company’s culture.

On the flip side, a recent McKinsey survey highlighted reasons employees leave jobs: feeling overlooked by leaders, seeing limited growth opportunities, and not finding their tasks meaningful. These are critical factors to consider when evaluating a potential employer.

7. What do you personally enjoy about working here?

Asking the interviewer about their own experiences offers a unique window into the company’s culture. It not only fosters a personal connection and keeps the conversation positive, but also gives you genuine, firsthand insights.

Geoffrey Scott, Hiring Manager and Career Expert at Resume Genius, says:

“A candidate’s curiosity about my personal journey or individual experiences within the company speaks to their commitment to building meaningful relationships. It’s a refreshing approach that I always love to see.”

As Scott puts it, this question showcases your genuine interest toward people in the organization and speaks to the value you place on interpersonal connections and team dynamics.

8. Could you share a piece of career advice based on our conversation today?

Asking this question not only showcases your eagerness to grow as a professional but also creates a memorable moment with the interviewer.

It’s different from standard interview queries because you’re emphasizing broader career aspirations and showing that you value the interviewer’s personal insights.

Politely requesting for advice is a testament to one’s commitment to personal and professional development. According to Scott:

The best candidates are hands down those who are always eager to learn and grow. Asking for career advice shows me this applicant is bold but humble, looking for knowledge, and proactive in their approach.

– Geoffrey Scott, Senior Hiring Manager and Career Expert at Resume Genius

Even if you’re a seasoned professional, this question highlights your commitment to continuous learning and valuing diverse viewpoints.

Want a quick recap of what to ask after your interview? Check out this short TikTok video below for questions to consider:

@resumegenius “Do you have any questions for us?” The worst thing you can say is “No.” But there are also other questions you should avoid in the first interview round, especially if they make it seem like you’re not serious about the job and only care about the benefits. Asking the right questions during and at the end of your interview shows you’re genuinely interested in the role and the company. It’s an easy way to score points with the interviewer. ? Watch on for great questions to ask in your next job interview. #interviewtips #jobinterview #interviewquestions #jobsearchtips #jobseeker ♬ original sound – Resume Genius | Career Tips

Sources

• Gallup, “Empowering Workplace Culture Through Recognition”
• LinkedIn, “2023 Workplace Learning Report”
• McKinsey, “The Great Attrition is Making Hiring Harder. Are You Searching the Right Talent Pools?”
• Resume Genius, “Communication Named #1 Soft Skill in AI-influenced Workplace”

About Resume Genius

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