When preparing for a job interview, most people focus on how to answer questions, but knowing what to ask can be just as important. Towards the end of most interviews, you’ll be given the opportunity to turn the tables and pose your own questions. This isn’t just a formality; it’s a valuable moment to show interest, gather useful information, and assess if the role and company are the right fit for you.
At Carrington West, we help technical professionals across the built environment sector prepare for interviews every day. Here’s our guide on what questions to ask in an interview, and why they matter.
Why should I ask questions?
Asking thoughtful, relevant questions does three things:
1.Demonstrates preparation and interest. It shows you've taken the time to think about the role and the organisation.
2.Helps you evaluate the opportunity. The interview is not just a chance for the company to work out if you're right for them, but also for you to work out if the company is a good fit for you. It's your oppportunity to understand whether the company culture, expectations and progression align with your career goals.
3.Builds rapport. Interviews are a two-way conversation, and questions help make it feel more like a discussion rather than an interrogation.
Avoid generic or easily searchable questions (like “What does the company do?”), and instead focus on areas that will provide genuine insight into your role.
What should I ask about?
Here are several key areas you might want to explore, depending on the role and your own priorities:
1. Ask questions about the role itself
You want to understand the scope of the role, the day-to-day responsibilities, and how success is measured.
•What does a typical day or week look like in this role?
•What are the immediate priorities for someone starting in this position?
•What would success look like in the first six months?
These questions help you visualise the role beyond the job description. They also show the interviewer you’re already thinking about how you can make an impact.
2. Ask about the team and management
Getting a sense of who you’ll be working with, and how they work, can give you valuable insight into the team dynamic and leadership style.
•Can you tell me about the team I’ll be working with?
•How would you describe the management style of the person I’d be reporting to?
•How does the team typically collaborate, especially on multi-disciplinary projects?
This is especially important in built environment roles, where coordination between engineering, planning, or environmental teams is key.
3. Ask questions around development and progression
Ambitious candidates will want to understand the opportunities for learning and career growth.
•What training and development opportunities are available?
•Are there clear paths for progression within the company?
•How does the company support employees working towards chartership or professional registration?
Interviewers often appreciate these questions because they show that you’re thinking long-term, a sign that you're committed to growing with the company.
4. Ask questions about the culture and value
Company culture plays a huge part in job satisfaction. These questions can help you understand whether the environment aligns with your values and working style.
•How would you describe the company culture?
•What does the company do to support work-life balance?
•How does the business foster diversity and inclusion within teams?
You might also consider asking about sustainability commitments, especially in industries where environmental goals are increasingly important.
5. Ask about challenges and future plans
Asking about challenges or future direction shows commercial awareness and strategic thinking.
•What are the biggest challenges facing the team or department right now?
•How is the company planning to evolve over the next few years?
•How has the company adapted to recent changes in the industry?
This gives you a window into the company’s ambitions, stability, and ability to adapt, all useful to know when considering a job move.
What questions shouldn't you ask?
There are a few questions which are better left until later in the process, or not asked at all during the interview. For example:
•Don’t immediately lead with questions about salary, holidays, or benefits. These are important, but should ideally be raised once you’ve received an offer or are further along in the process.
•Avoid questions that show a lack of research (e.g. “What does your company do?”). A quick Google search can answer that question, and you should always do your research on the company prior to interview.
•Don’t ask questions that could be seen as confrontational (e.g. “Why did the last person leave?”). Instead, frame them positively (e.g. “Is this a new position due to growth?”).
The best interviews feel like conversations, not just assessments. Asking well-considered questions shows that you’re engaged, proactive, and serious about finding the right role. It also empowers you to make informed decisions about your career.
Before your next interview, prepare 4–5 strong questions based on what matters most to you. Tailor them to the company and the role, and remember, it’s not just about impressing them, but making sure the role is a great fit for you too.
At Carrington West, we don’t just send you into interviews, we help you prepare for success. From refining your CV to interview coaching and salary benchmarking, our expert consultants are here to support every step of your job search.
Looking for your next move in the built environment sector? Get in touch or explore our latest jobs today.
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