Questions to Ask During an HR Interview
Strategic questions to understand company culture, benefits, growth opportunities, and whether the organization aligns with your career goals.
1Can you walk me through the company's mission and values, and how they show up day-to-day?
Click to see why this works
Can you walk me through the company's mission and values, and how they show up day-to-day?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Clarifies whether stated values are lived or just wall art.
2What does success look like in this role over the first 6–12 months?
Click to see why this works
What does success look like in this role over the first 6–12 months?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Sets clear expectations and shows how performance will be measured.
3How would you describe the company culture, and what makes it unique?
Click to see why this works
How would you describe the company culture, and what makes it unique?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Invites honest reflection on environment, collaboration, and workplace norms.
4What are the opportunities for professional development and career advancement?
Click to see why this works
What are the opportunities for professional development and career advancement?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Assesses whether growth is supported or if you'll need to leave to advance.
5What does the onboarding process look like, and how are new hires set up for success?
Click to see why this works
What does the onboarding process look like, and how are new hires set up for success?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows whether you'll be supported or thrown into the deep end.
6How does the company support work-life balance, and what are the norms around hours and availability?
Click to see why this works
How does the company support work-life balance, and what are the norms around hours and availability?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Clarifies whether flexibility is real or if overwork is expected.
7What benefits are offered beyond salary—health insurance, retirement, PTO, parental leave?
Click to see why this works
What benefits are offered beyond salary—health insurance, retirement, PTO, parental leave?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Ensures you understand total compensation and what's included.
8How does the company approach diversity, equity, and inclusion?
Click to see why this works
How does the company approach diversity, equity, and inclusion?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Reveals whether DEI is a priority in practice, not just in recruiting materials.
9What is the performance review process, and how often will I receive feedback?
Click to see why this works
What is the performance review process, and how often will I receive feedback?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Clarifies how you'll know if you're on track and how coaching is delivered.
10Can you tell me about the team I'd be working with and the management style?
Click to see why this works
Can you tell me about the team I'd be working with and the management style?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Provides insight into dynamics and whether leadership is supportive or micromanaging.
11What are the biggest challenges the company or team is facing right now?
Click to see why this works
What are the biggest challenges the company or team is facing right now?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Surfaces vulnerabilities and whether you're walking into a fire drill.
12How does the company handle remote or hybrid work arrangements?
Click to see why this works
How does the company handle remote or hybrid work arrangements?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Clarifies flexibility and whether policies are evolving or reverting to pre-pandemic norms.
13What is the typical career path for someone in this role?
Click to see why this works
What is the typical career path for someone in this role?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows realistic advancement timelines and whether lateral or upward moves are common.
14How does the company support employee well-being and mental health?
Click to see why this works
How does the company support employee well-being and mental health?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Reveals whether burnout is acknowledged and whether resources are available.
15What is the turnover rate for this role or department, and what are the common reasons people leave?
Click to see why this works
What is the turnover rate for this role or department, and what are the common reasons people leave?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Surfaces retention issues and whether the role is sustainable long-term.
16How does the company communicate changes, updates, and strategic direction to employees?
Click to see why this works
How does the company communicate changes, updates, and strategic direction to employees?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Assesses transparency and whether leadership keeps people informed or in the dark.
17What learning and development resources are available—training, conferences, tuition reimbursement?
Click to see why this works
What learning and development resources are available—training, conferences, tuition reimbursement?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows investment in employee growth and whether learning is encouraged.
18How does the company recognize and reward high performance?
Click to see why this works
How does the company recognize and reward high performance?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Clarifies whether excellence is celebrated or taken for granted.
19What are the next steps in the hiring process, and what is the expected timeline?
Click to see why this works
What are the next steps in the hiring process, and what is the expected timeline?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Sets clear expectations and shows professionalism in managing the process.
20Is there anything about my background or experience that gives you concern for this role?
Click to see why this works
Is there anything about my background or experience that gives you concern for this role?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Invites feedback and gives you a chance to address concerns before a decision is made.
Making the Most of HR Interviews
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.