Most job applicants already know the tried-and-true method of arriving prepared with questions to ask their interviewer. But most wait until the end to ask their questions. This an oversight, and a missed opportunity to stand out among other candidates. Research shows that asking questions makes the hiring manager feel more engaged and more likely to view you favorably, all while giving you more valuable information about the role.

• A great job interview often flows more like a conversation — a two-way street in which each person is curious to see if this will be a mutual fit. You are also interviewing the person on the other side of the line, screen, or table, just as they are interviewing you. This can help you valuate the values and culture of the team and larger organization.
• Another mistake candidates make is not asking the right questions or framing their questions in confusing ways. Thoughtfully tailored questions can demonstrate your genuine interest in the company, signal competence, build rapport, unlock information, and help the interviewer understand how you think.
• When a question is broad, inconsiderate, or simply misinterpreted as such, it can make you come across as ignorant, naïve, presumptuous, or even lazy. Crafting an insightful question isn’t just about what you say, but also about how you say it. The last thing you want to do is inadvertently emphasize the wrong thing and come off as arrogant or clueless.