TIPS: Questions job seekers should ask employers in their next job interview
In job interviews, what do you usually say when the recruiter asks, "Do you have any questions for me?"
For some, the immediate response is a polite but missed opportunity: "None, everything's clear."
This common oversight is a missed chance not only to clarify details about the position or company you're applying for, but also to showcase your potential as a candidate.
"When a candidate asks questions during an interview, it tells me they're not just there to get hired—they're also trying to make sure the company is a good fit for them. It shows genuine interest, confidence, and clarity about what they want in a workplace," Jonane Quiambao, a business partner for a software company who shares HR tips on her TikTok page HR Rant with Nae, told PhilSTAR L!fe. "It also makes the interview feel more like a conversation than an interrogation, which is always a good sign. At the end of the day, interviews go both ways. We're choosing each other. It's not just one side doing the choosing."
Rhonadale Florentino, the president and CEO of UpRush Social Geekers Inc., a provider of HR solutions and services in the country, also said it "allows the recruiter to clarify any concerns the candidate might have, decreasing the risk of misunderstanding."
"Even if we think we have discussed all important items concerning the position, there is still a chance that we might have missed something," she told L!fe. "Raising questions ensures that they are fully aware of what they are getting into. Of course, these have to be intelligent questions that concern them."
Want to get an idea of what you should ask your recruiter at the end of your job interview? Here are some suggestions from the HR experts.
Is this a new position, or are you hiring for a replacement? Why did the previous one leave?
According to Florentino, this is a good question to ask if you subtly want to assess the culture and synergy within the team, as well as the leadership style of your immediate supervisor.
"If it's a new position, be ready to have a job description that seems to change from time to time, leading to tasks that may be well beyond your scope. There might also be a lot of trial and error between you and your boss," she said. "If you are being hired to replace someone, get to know who you are replacing. If the person is a respected and loved team member, be prepared to be constantly compared to them. If the person happens to have a not-so-good performance, be ready to deal with the fallout."
How would you describe a typical day for this position? What are the usual challenges that one faces?
Florentino noted that this question is essential as it gives you a glimpse into the complexity of the position, including the workload. This is a good question to ask if you want to see how fit you are for the position, which is "sort of a self-assessment."
What's the promotion rate for this position (or this team)?
Per Florentino, this is good to ask if you have specific milestones in your career that you are aiming for.
If you would like to check the regularity of salary increases, this is also a subtle way to do it, he added.
What's unique about the culture in this company? What are the common challenges faced by employees here?
Florentino noted that you can ask this question if you want to know more about the fit between your values and the organization's.
He, however, emphasized that you should also be on the lookout for superlatives or responses that are too good to be true. "No company is perfect, and most companies will have one or two challenging areas."
This was also echoed by Quiambao. "Culture and collaboration matter. This question gives you a sense of how the team communicates and supports each other," she noted. "It sets realistic expectations and shows that you're ready to take things on with your eyes wide open."
What does success in this role look like within six months to a year?
Per Quiambao, this question will give you insight into expectations and help you understand how your performance will be measured.
Can you tell me more about the company's plans or vision for the next few years?
Understanding the company's future plans—including growth, new markets, technological shifts, and expansion—helps you gauge its stability and determine whether its trajectory aligns with your own career aspirations. As an employee, you don't want to join a company that's stagnant or heading in a direction you don't support.
"This shows you’re interested in the long-term, not just the day-to-day," Quiambao said.
She added that as an alternative, you can also ask: "Are there opportunities for growth or internal mobility?"
How does the company support work-life balance?
This is crucial for your long-term health and happiness in a role. Understanding how a company genuinely supports work-life balance helps you determine if the job is sustainable and if it aligns with your personal priorities outside of work.
"This is a non-negotiable for many candidates. It also shows you value well-being and sustainability in your work," Quiambao said.
What are the next steps in the hiring process?
Per Quiambao, knowing the timeline and stages—such as another interview, a take-home test, reference checks, or an offer—helps manage your expectations and reduces the anxiety of waiting. You won't be left wondering what's happening.
"It also shows you're engaged and allows you to manage your own expectations in post-interview," she added.
