You nailed “Tell me about yourself.” You handled “Why do you want this job?” like a pro. But then the recruiter leans in and asks, “So, do you have any questions for us?” And…cue internal panic.
Let’s fix that forever.
Yes, you should ask about the role—but don’t stop there. The real magic happens when you ask questions about the company. It shows that you’re thinking bigger than just your to-do list and signals that you’re looking for a genuine fit. (Spoiler: That’s very attractive to hiring teams.)
Need some inspiration? We’ll explain why company interview questions matter, what they tell the recruiter, and the exact types of questions you can ask to gain insight into your potential employer—and stand out.
Why it’s not just about the job—it’s about the company
Anyone can say they're excited about this opportunity, but if you want to show that you’re truly invested, you need to take a step further.
“When a candidate asks about the company and not just the role at hand, it signals that they’re thinking broader about what it would look like to work here,” says Robin Lykins, the California-based chief people officer of Branch. “I find that most people want to feel passionate about their work, and step one is getting to know the company, its mission, and its values. These are candidates that want to understand the broader picture and have skin in the game.”
When you ask questions about the company during an interview, you’re showing that:
- You did your homework
- You’re thoughtful about where you work
- You care about mission, culture, and long-term growth, not just salary and title
- You’re already imagining yourself as part of the team
“Most candidates do not ask strong questions, so when someone does, it’s a breath of fresh air,” says Katrina Acosta, a 20-year hiring professional and Florida-based director of talent solutions at Bridge. “It helps them stand out immediately as a top contender.”
The research-question sweet spot
There’s a fine line between sounding prepared and robotic. You want to do your prior research (always), and when it's game time, be ready to ask something you can’t Google. Great candidates research enough to avoid surface-level questions, but leave room to explore perspectives that only insiders can provide
For example, you can quickly find what a company does. So, in an interview, ask something more specific, like: “I read about your partnership with [XYZ org]. How did that come about, and how does it reflect your broader goals?”
See the difference? It’s still a question about the company, but now you sound like someone who cares about what makes it tick—not someone who skimmed the homepage five minutes before the call.
Read this next: The Ultimate Guide to Researching a Company Pre-Interview
25 smart questions to ask about the company during an interview
Ready to go beyond “What’s the team like?” Here’s your toolkit—organized by category—for asking smart, strategic questions about the company during interview settings.
Questions about the company’s history, mission, and values
Want to know what this company stands for—and if it aligns with your own compass? Ask these:
- How did the company get started, and what’s changed the most since then?
- What mission or values guide decisions here, especially during tough calls?
- What’s something about the company’s story that people don’t always know, but should?
Questions about leadership and founders
No, you don’t need to fan-girl the CEO. But a well-placed question here shows you care about who’s steering the ship.
- How involved is leadership in day-to-day work?
- What’s the leadership team’s biggest focus right now?
- I saw that the founder came from [industry/role]—how does that background influence the culture here?
Questions about work model, flexibility, and team dynamics
This is where you ask how you'll work—and whether you’ll enjoy it.
- How does the company approach remote or hybrid work?
- How are teams structured, and how do they collaborate across departments?
- How do people usually communicate here—Slack, meetings, or something else?
Questions about culture and vibe check
This is one of the top reasons people stay—or leave. These are gold-standard company culture interview questions to get the real scoop:
- What’s something people here celebrate (besides birthdays)?
- What kind of person tends to thrive here?
- How do new hires typically get welcomed and integrated into the culture?
Questions about inclusion and belonging
You can probably find out if they have an Employee Resource Group (ERG) through a Black History Month post on their social media. Ask something more tactical:
- What does the company do to support diversity and inclusion beyond hiring?
- How do you ensure different perspectives are heard and valued on the team?
- Can you share an example of how inclusion has shown up in decision-making or culture?
Questions about future plans and company growth
You want to join a rocket ship, not a sinking canoe. Ask about their vision.
- Where do you see the company headed in the next few years?
- Are there any exciting changes or challenges on the horizon?
- How do employees usually grow with the company as it evolves?
- How does the company define success beyond financial metrics?
Questions about employee experience and retention
Want to know what it’s like to work there long-term? These questions get closer to the truth:
- What do people rave about here, and what’s still a work in progress?
- What’s the company’s approach to feedback and performance development?
- Can you share a story about someone who started in one role and grew into another?
Questions about the industry and competitive landscape
Show you went beyond the basics. “I always find it impressive when a candidate researches the industry a bit and can ask questions about the competitive landscape or the field,” says Paul Carelis, Boston-based VP of HR Services at MP-HR. These questions signal strategic thinking, long-term curiosity, and that you’re someone who wants to make a real impact.
(We listed general examples to inspire you, but you may want to tailor this section based on the industry you're interested in. For example, if it’s a fintech company, you might ask about digital payment trends or regulatory changes.)
- Who do you see as your biggest competitors right now, and what sets you apart?
- How has the company’s strategy evolved in response to industry shifts or challenges?
- What’s something about this industry that people outside it often misunderstand?
Before we wrap: a quick word of advice
- Pick three to five questions max. Keep them tailored, thoughtful, and natural. No need to rapid-fire like you're interrogating them for a podcast.
- Listen to their answers. Great follow-ups show you're truly engaged.
- Don’t forget to read the room. If your interviewer is pressed for time, prioritize what matters most to you.
The more interviews you land, the better you get—check these amazing open jobs on The Muse to find your next opportunity »
You’re interviewing them, too
The interview isn’t just about proving you’re right for the job—it’s about figuring out if the company is right for you. So ask the questions that help you picture yourself there. The ones that show you’re curious, thoughtful, and not afraid to speak up for what matters. The ones that say: “I’m not here for just any job—I’m here for the right one.”
Read this next: 70 Smart Questions to Ask in an Interview