20 Questions

Questions to Ask About a New Job

Essential questions to ask about a new job opportunity to understand the role, company culture, and make an informed career decision.

1

What does a typical day look like in this role?

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Why this works

Understanding daily responsibilities helps you assess if the role matches your interests and skills.

2

What are the key challenges and opportunities in this position?

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Why this works

Learning about challenges helps you prepare for the role and shows you're thinking realistically about the position.

3

What are the growth and advancement opportunities?

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Why this works

Understanding career progression helps you evaluate long-term potential and growth opportunities.

4

What is the company culture like and how does it affect daily work?

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Why this works

Understanding company culture helps you assess if the work environment aligns with your values and preferences.

5

What are the expectations for this role in the first 90 days?

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Why this works

Understanding initial expectations helps you prepare for success and set realistic goals.

6

What is the team structure and who will I be working with?

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Why this works

Understanding team dynamics helps you assess collaboration style and working relationships.

7

What are the biggest priorities for this role in the next year?

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Why this works

Understanding immediate priorities helps you assess the role's focus and your ability to contribute quickly.

8

What does success look like in this role?

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Why this works

Understanding success metrics helps you know how your performance will be evaluated and what to focus on.

9

What are the opportunities for learning and development?

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Why this works

Understanding learning opportunities helps you assess if the role will help you grow and develop new skills.

10

What is the work-life balance like in this role and company?

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Why this works

Understanding work-life balance helps you assess if the role fits your lifestyle and personal commitments.

11

What are the biggest challenges facing this department or company?

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Why this works

Understanding current challenges helps you assess if you're equipped to handle them and contribute effectively.

12

What are the opportunities for collaboration with other departments?

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Why this works

Understanding cross-functional work helps you assess the role's scope and networking opportunities.

13

What is the company's approach to innovation and change?

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Why this works

Understanding innovation approach helps you assess if the company stays current and competitive.

14

What are the biggest opportunities for this role in the future?

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Why this works

Understanding future opportunities helps you assess growth potential and exciting challenges ahead.

15

What is the company's approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion?

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Why this works

Understanding DEI policies helps you assess if the company values and supports all employees.

16

What are the biggest risks or challenges in this industry?

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Why this works

Understanding industry challenges helps you assess the company's position and your role in addressing them.

17

What are the opportunities for mentorship and career guidance?

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Why this works

Understanding mentorship opportunities helps you assess if you'll have support for your career development.

18

What is the company's approach to employee feedback and development?

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Why this works

Understanding feedback processes helps you know how you'll be evaluated and supported in your growth.

19

What are the biggest opportunities for this role to make an impact?

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Why this works

Understanding impact opportunities helps you assess if the role will allow you to make meaningful contributions.

20

What questions do you have about my background or experience?

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Why this works

This shows engagement and allows you to address any concerns they might have about your fit for the role.

Evaluating a New Job Opportunity

Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.

Researching the Opportunity

Company Research

Learn about the company's mission, recent news, products, and culture to ask informed questions.

Role Analysis

Understand the job requirements and responsibilities to assess your fit and preparation needs.

Industry Context

Research the industry trends and challenges to understand the broader context of the role.

Key Evaluation Areas

Role and Responsibilities

Daily tasks and expectations
Key challenges and opportunities
Success metrics and evaluation
Growth and advancement potential

Company Culture

Work environment and team dynamics
Values and mission alignment
Communication and collaboration style
Work-life balance and flexibility

Career Development

Learning and development opportunities
Mentorship and career guidance
Advancement and promotion paths
Skill development and growth

Making Your Decision

Weigh Pros and Cons

Create a detailed list of advantages and disadvantages to help visualize the decision.

Consider Your Goals

Think about where you want to be in 1, 3, and 5 years and how this role fits those goals.

Trust Your Instincts

Pay attention to how you feel during conversations and whether the role and company feel like a good fit.

Find Your Perfect Questions

Search our collection of thoughtful questions for any conversation or situation