How many questions should I ask in an interview?

Two or three is usually right. Prepare five or six, because some will be answered during the interview.

What if I can't think of any questions at the end?

Saying you have none can look like low interest. Ask about next steps at the very least, or say what you've covered and ask what success looks like in the role.

Can I take notes into an interview?

Yes. Writing your questions down beforehand is normal and shows you've prepared.

Can I get interview questions written for a specific job?

Yes. CV Ready writes eight to ten questions for each job from the advert, with why each is worth asking and what a good or worrying answer sounds like.

The best questions to ask at the end of an interview

By CV Ready · Updated 30 October 2026

The short answer

The best questions to ask in an interview show you've thought about doing the job and help you decide if you want it. Ask what success looks like in the first six months, what the biggest challenge in the role is, how the team works together, and what happens next. Prepare five or six and ask two or three.

Questions about the role

What would success look like in the first six months?
What's the most important thing to get right in the first 90 days?
What does a typical week look like, and which part of it surprises new starters?
Why is this role open at the moment?

Questions about the team and the manager

Who would I work with most closely day to day?
How would you describe the way you manage people?
How does the team handle it when something goes wrong?
What do people who do well here have in common?

Questions about challenges and growth

What's the biggest challenge facing the team this year?
What would you change about the role if you could?
How have people in this role developed or moved on?

Questions to close the interview

Is there anything about my background you'd like me to expand on?
What are the next steps, and when can I expect to hear from you?

Which questions should you avoid?

Avoid anything you could answer from the website or the advert, because it shows you didn't prepare. Don't lead with holiday or perks in a first interview: pay and benefits are fair to discuss, and the usual time is when you're at offer stage or when they raise it. Avoid "Did I get the job?", though asking about next steps is fine.

Frequently asked questions

How many questions should I ask in an interview?: Two or three is usually right. Prepare five or six, because some will be answered during the interview.
What if I can't think of any questions at the end?: Saying you have none can look like low interest. Ask about next steps at the very least, or say what you've covered and ask what success looks like in the role.
Can I take notes into an interview?: Yes. Writing your questions down beforehand is normal and shows you've prepared.
Can I get interview questions written for a specific job?: Yes. CV Ready writes eight to ten questions for each job from the advert, with why each is worth asking and what a good or worrying answer sounds like.