Interviews aren’t a one-way street. As a candidate, they’re as much for you as they are for the person interviewing you.

But knowing what questions to ask can be tough, so a lot of the time candidates revert to asking nothing at all.

Asking questions shows engagement and proves your interest in the position, as well as helping you to evaluate the role on offer.

So, to help you prepare, we’ve put together a list of 7 great questions to ask in your next startup interview.

What keeps you at the company?

Nobody expects to stay in a job for life these days, but understanding what keeps the person interviewing you motivated to stay at the company will help you gauge the positives of the business and how it matches up to what you’re searching for in a role.

Why have people left your company?

This question is a big one. Understanding the reasons previous employees have left the company will give you some key insight into the longer-term opportunity. As much as the answer to this question is important, pay attention to the way the interviewer responds. If they're evasive, or dismissive of those who’ve moved on, it’s not a good sign.

What do you think I’ll find most challenging?

This probably isn’t something you’d think to ask. After all, why would you want the interviewer to expose your weaknesses? Well, think of it as the perfect opportunity to overcome any potential reservations the interviewer might have about you on the spot. Asking this question not only gives you the chance to overcome any potential objections but can also get you excited about the challenges that lie ahead.

What has gone wrong for the business recently?

It’s not all sunshine and rainbows, and the perfect business doesn’t exist, we know that. But digging deeper into the company you’re joining and learning about any recent issues will firstly help you to understand how the company have overcome them (you’re looking for a positive answer here) but to also give you an idea of potential things you may be able to help with.

This question is good for helping you to frame your answers to help solve their problems.

What’s the funding picture for the business?

Money isn’t everything, but in the current climate, it’s especially important to understand about a business’ runway and funding. Asking this question will help you to understand how they’re able to hire you, as well as invest into other areas of the business.

What concerns do you have?

Similar to question number 3, this question is aimed at putting you in the best position to address any potential objections. It might be something you feel uncomfortable asking, and some Hiring Managers will feel uncomfortable answering, but ironing out any concerns early will give you the best possible chance of securing the role.

What do you need from me for us to work well together?

Your relationship with your line manager is going to be a big part in your success or failure at the company. Asking this question will give you a feel for how this manager leads their people, how they set expectations, and how they see you as part of their team.

As you prepare for your next interview, remember that you don’t need to ask all of these questions. Hopefully, the majority will be answered for you throughout the interview. So, prepare yourself with a few questions to ask and use them to demonstrate your commitment to making a meaningful contribution to the company. Interviews are your opportunity to evaluate not only the role but also the company’s culture and your potential fit within it. So, be proactive, ask insightful questions and make the most of this important two-way conversation to ensure a successful and fulfilling career move.

Get in touch

If you’d like more support with interviews, or are searching for a new startup position, get in touch with one of our specialist consultants on 0117 428 0600.