Ace Your Interview: Questions to Ask Employers & Graduate/Professional School Interviewers
Asking questions at the end of an interview shows that you’re thoughtful, prepared, and genuinely interested in the opportunity. It’s your chance to learn more about the role and see if it’s the right fit for you.
Aim to have at least 5 questions prepared—you might not ask them all, but it ensures you’re ready. Also, consider using your values and career goals to help shape meaningful questions. (Check out page 8 in the Exploration Guide to identify your top 10 values!)
List of Potential Questions to Choose From & Customize:
Remember, this is a two-way street! They are interviewing you to see if you are a good fit, but you should be doing something similar to see if they align with your needs and preferences.
You may find yourself in a boat where you get multiple offers. If the roles are all similar, you will want to be able to weigh other factors, such as the work culture, benefits, connection to future career goals, etc.
Be sure to bring a notepad so you can record their responses to your tailored questions. This way, you have documentation to make it easier to reflect on various roles you are interviewing for.
- What do you enjoy most about working here?
- How would you describe the team culture or day-to-day environment?
- Can you tell me more about the team I’d be joining and how they collaborate?
- How are new employees typically onboarded and supported in their first few months?
- What are the company’s goals over the next year or so?
- How does this department contribute to the broader mission of the organization?
- What is one challenge the team is currently working through?
- How have recent changes in the industry affected your strategy?
- I read that the company recently [achievement or development]. How has that impacted your team?
- In the job description, it mentioned [responsibility or project]. Could you share more about what success looks like for that?
- I noticed on your website that the company emphasizes [value or initiative]. Could you speak to how that shows up in the day-to-day work?
- How is performance typically measured in this role?
- How do managers support employee growth and development?
- Are there any mentorship, training, or feedback systems in place?
- How are accomplishments or milestones celebrated here?
- What separates someone who is good in this role from someone who is truly great?
- What qualities have helped team members succeed in this role?
- What does a strong first year look like for someone in this position?
- Are there typical career paths for someone in this role?
- What opportunities are there for internal mobility or cross-functional projects?
- Can you share an example of someone who grew within the company after starting in a similar position?
- How does the organization support employee wellness or work-life balance?
- Are there any formal or informal wellness initiatives?
- What does a “healthy work environment” mean here?
- How does the company promote diversity, equity, and inclusion?
- Are there employee resource groups or initiatives I could get involved in?
- Could you share how the company approaches inclusive leadership or mentorship?
- Do you have any concerns about my background that I can clarify?
- Is there anything else I can provide that would support your decision?
- What are the next steps in the interview process?
If you’re interviewing for a grad program, the goal is similar: you’re assessing fit and showing interest, but the tone can be more academic and long-term focused.
- What makes this program unique compared to others in the field?
- How is the curriculum designed to prepare students for [career paths or goals]?
- How much flexibility is there in tailoring the program to individual interests?
- Are students encouraged to participate in research, and how are those opportunities typically accessed?
- How are advisors assigned, and what does the advising relationship look like?
- Can you share examples of faculty-student collaboration?
- How would you describe the community among students in the program?
- What kinds of academic, career, or wellness support are available to students?
- Are there opportunities to engage in professional organizations or conferences?
- What types of roles or paths do graduates from this program typically pursue?
- How involved are alumni with current students or recent graduates?
- Are there career services or support systems in place specifically for this program?
- How does the program support underrepresented students?
- Are there affinity groups or initiatives focused on inclusion within the program or school?
- What conversations or efforts are happening around inclusive teaching and learning?
- What advice would you give to someone just starting out in the program?
- Is there anything in my application or background you’d like me to elaborate on?
- What are the next steps in the admissions process?
Some topics are better saved for after you receive an offer or during the negotiation phase:
- How much does this position pay?
- What are the benefits or perks?
- How soon can I expect a promotion?
These questions may come off as premature or transactional. Wait until you’ve moved forward in the process to ask them.
Do Your Research:
- Avoid asking questions that can easily be answered by looking at the company’s website, LinkedIn, or other public sources.
Career Support & Sources:
As you explore this resource, we encourage you to take advantage of everything available to support your career journey. Below, you’ll find the sources and contributors that made this guide possible, multiple ways to connect with our office for personalized career support, and some important reminders to keep in mind as you plan your strategy. Be sure to check them out, and remember, our team is always here to help you move forward with confidence and clarity.
| Reminder | What This Means for You |
|---|---|
| Use Multiple Sources | Information about careers and education can vary depending on where you look. Try checking several websites and resources when researching anything related to your career development (for example: job outlooks, salaries, industry trends, graduate programs, or fellowships, etc.). This will help you get a fuller, more accurate picture of what employers or admissions committees are looking for. |
| Make Sure to Network | Talking directly with people associated with your career goals or the programs/companies you’re interested in can give you the clearest and most useful insights. Reach out to professionals, recruiters, alumni, or current students to learn what really matters in your field (for example: company expectations, hiring timelines, résumé preferences, graduate program requirements, etc.). Even within the same industry or graduate program type, different organizations and admissions committees may value things differently. Listening carefully to their guidance can help you put your best foot forward. |
| Use AI Ethically in Career Development | AI tools can be a great resource for brainstorming, polishing materials, or practicing interview questions (for example: outlining position description details to guide your documents, generating practice questions, etc.). But it works best when you use it thoughtfully and make sure the final work reflects your own skills and voice. Some employers and graduate programs may not allow AI, so always check instructions carefully. Think of AI as a helper, not a replacement—and remember, Career Consultants are happy to guide you on how to use it effectively! |
| Be Aware of Employment Scams | When searching for jobs or internships, it’s important to stay alert for potential scams—especially when exploring positions outside of Binghamton’s Handshake. Common warning signs include requests for personal or financial information upfront, job offers without interviews, or anything that seems “too good to be true.” To learn more about what to watch for, see real examples, and find out how to protect yourself or respond if you encounter a scam, check out Employment Scam Information – Binghamton University. Staying informed helps you pursue opportunities safely and confidently. |
Drop-ins: When classes are in session, Monday-Friday, from 12-4 p.m., you can visit our office to schedule a 20-minute drop-in with our staff.
Appointments: You can schedule your 30-minute career session on Handshake. These are offered all year and can be done virtually and in person.
Online Resources: Visit uConnect, our virtual career center that is always accessible to support your career needs.
Unsplash Photos: Photo by Mina Rad on Unsplash
Website Sources: Special thanks to the organizations, industry experts, and thought leaders who share valuable career resources, research, and articles with the public. Your work provides important insights that support students’ career development.
- Previous student staff, Tim Smith
- AI Assistance: Portions of this resource may have been developed with support from AI tools (such as ChatGPT by OpenAI or Gemini), used to help synthesize research, generate summaries, and refine formatting. All final content has been reviewed and customized for Binghamton University students.
