Harvey John
Unit 2 Ferry Wharf
Hove Enterprise Centre
Basin Road North
Portslade, East Sussex
BN41 1BD
One of the most common questions our recruiters are asked is:
“What questions should I ask in an interview?”
It’s a great question – and one we hear all the time.
The first thing to remember is that an interview isn’t just about an employer deciding whether you’re right for the role. It’s also your opportunity to decide whether the role, team and company are right for you.
So, when preparing your interview questions, I recommend thinking about them in three areas:
- Micro
- Macro
- People
Micro
Focus on the day-to-day reality of the role.
Ask about your typical responsibilities, the team structure, onboarding, training opportunities and how success is measured. Understanding these details will give you a much clearer picture of what it’s really like to work in the role and whether it’s a good fit for you.
Macro
Take a step back and look at the bigger picture.
Ask about the company’s future plans, current priorities and how your team contributes to wider business goals. These questions demonstrate commercial awareness while helping you understand where the business is heading and whether it aligns with your own career ambitions.
People
People generally enjoy talking about their own experiences.
Before your interview, spend a few minutes looking at your interviewer’s LinkedIn profile (if available) or reading their biography on the company’s website.
Asking a thoughtful question about their experience can:
- Show that you’ve done your research.
- Help build rapport.
- Give you a genuine insight into what it’s like to work there from someone who knows the business first-hand.
Just keep your questions professional and relevant to the conversation.
Final thoughts
Preparing thoughtful questions shows curiosity, professionalism and genuine interest in the opportunity. More importantly, it helps you decide whether the role, team and company are the right fit for you.
If you’re preparing for an interview or considering your next career move, our specialist recruiters are always happy to offer advice. Get in touch with the Harvey John team to see how we can help.
Originally published: December 2023
Last reviewed and updated: July 2026
Author
From boutiques to the Big 4, and start-ups to multinational corporations, Alex manages a diverse portfolio of clients worldwide, which has enabled him to develop a vast global network of indirect tax and tax technology professionals in 40+ countries.
