Career Expert Shares Five Questions To Ask At The End Of An Interview To Make A Lasting Impression

You’ve done your research, polished your resume, rehearsed your answers, and shown up to the interview confident and prepared. You’ve navigated questions about your experience, strengths, weaknesses, and aspirations. Then, as the conversation winds down, the interviewer asks:
“Do you have any questions for me?”

This is not just a polite closing formality—it’s your opportunity to leave a strong, memorable impression. According to Emily Rhodes, a seasoned career consultant with over a decade of experience coaching professionals across industries, the questions you ask can reveal just as much about you as your answers do.

“This part of the interview is a hidden gem,” says Rhodes. “It’s where the best candidates stand out—not just for their curiosity, but for their strategic thinking.”

Here, Rhodes shares five insightful questions that will not only impress your interviewer but also help you assess whether the role and company are right for you.

1. “What does success look like in this role over the first six months to a year?”

Why it works: This question demonstrates your forward-thinking mindset and your desire to add value early. Instead of focusing on what you want from the job, you’re signaling a results-oriented attitude.

According to Rhodes, this question also encourages the interviewer to elaborate on expectations, milestones, and performance metrics. You’ll get a clearer sense of whether the company has a structured onboarding process or a more “sink or swim” culture.

Bonus Tip: Use the answer to later reference your own skills and how they align with their expectations, either in a follow-up email or a second-round interview.

2. “Can you tell me about the team I’d be working with, and how this role collaborates with them?”

Why it works: Employers want team players. By asking about team dynamics and collaboration, you show you’re aware that great work doesn’t happen in isolation.

Rhodes says this question offers insight into team culture, communication styles, and how siloed or integrated the organization really is. It also gives the interviewer a chance to highlight key individuals or challenges the team might be facing, which can help you position yourself as a problem-solver.

It’s also a subtle way to learn about internal politics, hierarchies, and whether the role comes with genuine cross-functional exposure.

3. “What are some of the biggest challenges currently facing the team or department?”

Why it works: This question showcases your willingness to roll up your sleeves and tackle real-world problems. You’re signaling that you’re not just here for a paycheck—you’re here to contribute meaningfully.

“Great candidates don’t shy away from challenges—they want to understand them,” Rhodes says. “This question often opens the door to more honest, less scripted responses.”

Pay close attention to how the interviewer responds. If they’re candid, it’s a good sign of transparency in the company culture. If they hesitate or give a vague answer, that may be a red flag—or at least a sign that more research is needed.

4. “How do you see the company evolving in the next few years, and how might this role contribute to that vision?”

Why it works: This question positions you as a long-term thinker. Employers value employees who see beyond the day-to-day tasks and align themselves with the bigger picture.

Rhodes emphasizes that this kind of question also signals loyalty and ambition. “You’re essentially saying, ‘I want to grow with this company. I want to be part of its journey.’ That’s powerful.”

You’ll also learn more about the company’s direction—whether it’s expanding, pivoting, or staying steady. The more you understand where the organization is headed, the better you can evaluate whether it fits with your own career goals.

5. “What do you personally enjoy most about working here?”

Why it works: This one taps into emotional connection. Asking this question makes the interview feel less transactional and more human. It invites the interviewer to reflect, which can often soften the conversation and create a more authentic rapport.

“It’s such a simple question, but it changes the tone of the interview,” says Rhodes. “You’ll get a glimpse into the company’s culture from a personal perspective, not just a brochure version.”

If the interviewer struggles to answer—or gives a generic response like “the people”—that might be a subtle warning sign. But if they light up and share genuine enthusiasm, that’s a positive indicator of workplace satisfaction.

Final Thoughts: Make It a Conversation, Not a Checklist

The key to asking great questions isn’t about trying to sound clever. It’s about showing that you’re thoughtful, curious, and engaged.

Rhodes advises preparing 3–5 questions ahead of time, but not being afraid to improvise based on how the interview unfolds. “The best interviews feel like conversations. So if something they said earlier piqued your interest, loop back to it.”

And, perhaps most importantly: don’t ask questions that you could have easily Googled. Asking about basic company facts or benefits can come across as lazy or disinterested. Instead, focus on insights that reveal your strategic mindset and genuine interest in the role.

Conclusion

Job interviews aren’t just a chance for companies to evaluate you—they’re also your chance to evaluate them. The questions you ask can reveal more than you might realize: your values, your curiosity, and your ability to think beyond the surface.

So next time you’re prepping for an interview, don’t just rehearse your answers. Craft smart, intentional questions that not only showcase your best self—but also help you find the right fit.

After all, the right question might be what gets you the offer.