What Questions to Ask HR During Screening Interview
Strategic questions to ask HR during a screening interview to understand the role, company culture, and demonstrate your interest in the position.
1What does a typical day look like for someone in this role?
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What does a typical day look like for someone in this role?
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Why this works
Helps you understand the daily responsibilities and expectations so you can assess if the role is a good fit for you.
2What are the key challenges someone in this position would face?
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What are the key challenges someone in this position would face?
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Why this works
Shows you're thinking about the role realistically and helps you understand what obstacles you might encounter.
3What skills and qualities are most important for success in this role?
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What skills and qualities are most important for success in this role?
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Why this works
Helps you understand what the company values most and whether you have the right qualifications for the position.
4What opportunities are there for growth and development in this position?
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What opportunities are there for growth and development in this position?
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Why this works
Shows you're interested in long-term career growth and helps you understand advancement opportunities.
5What's the team structure and who would I be working with most closely?
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What's the team structure and who would I be working with most closely?
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Why this works
Helps you understand the working environment and relationships you'll need to build for success.
6What's the company culture like and how does it support employee success?
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What's the company culture like and how does it support employee success?
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Why this works
Shows you care about cultural fit and helps you understand if the company values align with your own.
7What are the biggest priorities for this role in the next 6 months?
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What are the biggest priorities for this role in the next 6 months?
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Why this works
Helps you understand immediate expectations and what you'll need to focus on first if you get the job.
8What's the reporting structure and who would I be reporting to?
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What's the reporting structure and who would I be reporting to?
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Why this works
Important for understanding your direct supervisor and the chain of command within the organization.
9What are the performance expectations and how is success measured?
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What are the performance expectations and how is success measured?
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Why this works
Helps you understand how your performance will be evaluated and what metrics you'll be held accountable for.
10What's the work-life balance like in this role and company?
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What's the work-life balance like in this role and company?
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Why this works
Shows you care about work-life balance and helps you understand if the role fits your lifestyle needs.
11What are the biggest opportunities for impact in this position?
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What are the biggest opportunities for impact in this position?
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Why this works
Shows you're thinking about making a meaningful contribution and helps you understand where you can add value.
12What's the onboarding process like for new employees?
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What's the onboarding process like for new employees?
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Why this works
Shows you're thinking about the transition and helps you understand how you'll be supported as a new employee.
13What are the biggest challenges facing the team or department right now?
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What are the biggest challenges facing the team or department right now?
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Why this works
Helps you understand the current situation and what problems you might be expected to help solve.
14What's the company's approach to professional development and training?
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What's the company's approach to professional development and training?
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Why this works
Shows you're interested in continuous learning and helps you understand how the company supports employee growth.
15What are the biggest opportunities for collaboration with other departments?
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What are the biggest opportunities for collaboration with other departments?
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Why this works
Shows you understand the importance of cross-functional work and helps you understand the broader organizational context.
16What's the company's approach to innovation and how does this role contribute?
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What's the company's approach to innovation and how does this role contribute?
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Why this works
Shows you're thinking about the company's future and helps you understand how you can contribute to innovation.
17What are the biggest opportunities for learning and skill development?
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What are the biggest opportunities for learning and skill development?
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Why this works
Shows you're interested in personal growth and helps you understand what new skills you can develop in this role.
18What's the company's approach to diversity and inclusion?
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What's the company's approach to diversity and inclusion?
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Why this works
Shows you care about workplace values and helps you understand if the company is committed to creating an inclusive environment.
19What are the biggest opportunities for making a positive impact?
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What are the biggest opportunities for making a positive impact?
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Why this works
Shows you're thinking about meaningful work and helps you understand where you can make a difference.
20What's the most important thing I should know about this role and company?
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What's the most important thing I should know about this role and company?
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Why this works
Gives them a chance to share what they think is most important and helps you understand their priorities.
Making the Most of HR Screening Interviews
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Be Genuinely Interested
Show real interest in the role and company by asking thoughtful questions that demonstrate your enthusiasm.
Listen and Take Notes
Pay attention to their answers and take notes so you can remember important details for future interviews.
Ask Follow-up Questions
Show engagement by asking follow-up questions that help you understand their answers better.
Question Sequences
The Role Understanding Sequence
The Growth and Development Sequence
Common Pitfalls
Don't Ask About Salary Too Early
Avoid asking about salary, benefits, or compensation during the screening interview. Save these questions for later stages.
Avoid Generic Questions
Make your questions specific to the role and company rather than asking generic questions that could apply to any job.
Don't Ignore Their Answers
If they give you specific information, acknowledge it and ask follow-up questions to show you're engaged.