The best questions to ask the recruiter
· 6 min read
“Do you have any questions?” is not an end-of-interview courtesy: it is a real assessment question. A candidate with no questions seems lukewarm; good questions show you are already picturing yourself in the role.
Always prepare 4 to 6 questions in advance — you will ask 2 or 3, but some may already have been answered during the conversation.
Questions that make you shine
- “What would success in this role look like in the first 6 months?”
- “What are the team’s main challenges right now?”
- “How would you describe the culture and the way people collaborate?”
- “What does onboarding look like for a new hire?”
- “What are the growth prospects for this kind of role?”
Questions to avoid (for now)
- Time off, hours or perks in the first interview.
- Questions whose answer is obvious on the company website.
- “What does your company do?” — a sign of zero preparation.
Tailor your questions to who you are talking to
To an HR recruiter, ask about the process, culture and team. To the hiring manager, about goals and ways of working. To a peer, about the real day-to-day of the role. Each person holds different information.
End on a note of engagement
Your last question can set up what comes next: “What are the next steps in the process?”. You show your interest and leave knowing what to expect.
A candidate’s questions often say more than their answers. — HR saying
Write your questions before the interview and keep them in view on video calls. With JobView, practice closing an interview by asking them to the AI recruiter, for a natural and confident finish.