Asking no questions looks unprepared. Asking the right ones makes you stand out instantly.
Introduction
You’ve made it to the interview. You’ve done your homework and you’re ready for the conversation. Then comes the moment: “Do you have any questions for us?” The strongest candidates treat this as a chance to demonstrate maturity, curiosity and impact. Thoughtful questions don’t just show interest, they prove you understand the role, the business, and how you’ll contribute from day one.
Why Your Questions Matter
Recruiters and hiring managers pay close attention to the questions you ask. Smart, thoughtful questions signal preparation and strategic thinking – and they help you assess the company as much as the company assesses you.
“It’s not just about asking questions at the end of the interview—it’s about asking the right questions. The best candidates use this moment to demonstrate genuine curiosity, strategic thinking, and a real understanding of what matters in the role and the company. That’s what recruiters remember.”
— Georgios Zeritis, Partner, Intellectica
With that in mind, here are some examples of questions that make a strong impression – both with Intellectica’s recruiters and with the hiring managers as you progress through the process:
5 Strategic Questions That Impress Recruiters
- “What does success look like in this role in the first 90 days and by 12 months? Which metrics will be used to measure it?”
Why it works: Shows you’re proactive about understanding expectations and how your performance will be measured. It signals accountability, ambition and a desire to align with company goals – qualities recruiters value. - “How would you describe the company’s values and what plans are in motion for its growth and development?”
Why it works: Shows interest in company values, signals long-term thinking and helps you assess both culture and vision. - “Can you tell me about the team I’ll be working with? What challenges is the team currently facing that this role would help address?”
Why it works: It shows you value teamwork, want to understand real challenges, and are looking for ways to contribute and grow within the team. - “How does responsibility typically evolve for someone who performs well in this role?”
Why it works: Growth is framed as earned responsibility, not entitlement or timelines - “Is there anything from my background or today’s conversation you’d like me to clarify or expand on?”
Why it works: Shows confidence, openness to feedback, and coachability
Bonus Tip for Manager-Level Canditates
For managerial roles, questions should go beyond individual contribution. Asking just one of the following signals leadership maturity and strategic thinking:
Team management: “What are the biggest people or performance challenges within the team right now?”
Strategy: “How does this team’s work support the company’s current strategic priorities?”
Decision-making: “What level of autonomy do managers have when making difficult decisions?”
Leaving a lasting impression
The strongest candidates treat interviews as two-way decisions – using thoughtful questions to assess impact, alignment and long-term success, on both sides.
At Intellectica, we partner with employers to run evidence-based hiring – clarifying success, structuring interviews, and engaging candidates with respect. We design with data, select with rigor, and deliver with technology.
— The Intellectica Team
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About Intellectica
At Intellectica, we are driven by a mission to deliver exceptional consulting and recruitment solutions that empower businesses to succeed, while making a meaningful impact on people and communities.
Contact
Intellectica
17 Solonos Str, Athens 106 71, Greece
T: (+30) 210 338 8581
E: contact@intellecticagroup.com