When you think of job interviews, you probably imagine being bombarded with questions and trying to come up with substantive answers. You know you have to nail your responses, but the questions you ask at the end of the interview are just as important. As tempting as it may be to get the interview over with, extending the conversation with your own questions is one of the best ways to emphasize how interested you are in the position and will give you a chance to show more of your intellect and insights.

The inevitable “What questions do you have for me?” is also a chance for you to get more clarity about the role and the organization plus develop a rapport with the interviewers. Here’s how to make the most of that opportunity.

Prepare your questions ahead of time

Write a list of questions before the interview so that you do not feel pressured to come up with them on the spot. Put the most important questions at the top of your list. Depending on the timing and discussion, you may choose to add or skip questions during the interview.

The best questions are usually tailored to the specific job and organization as well as your professional interests and goals. However, some general questions can also be helpful in a variety of circumstances. The following examples are a good starting point.

• What do you see as the greatest challenges and opportunities for someone in this role?
• What do you think is required for someone to be successful in this role?
• To whom does this position report? Can you describe their management style?
• Tell me more about the team I would be joining. What are the working styles? How do you support one another, and how closely do you work together?
• Can you describe the organization’s culture? What is the atmosphere like, and what values are most important?
• What is the balance of individual versus collaborative work? What would a typical day look like?
• Could you tell me more about what prompted the creation of this role at this time? Or if it’s an existing role, how has the position evolved?
• What opportunities for advancement and professional development exist for someone in this role?

Show that you have done your homework

Don’t waste an interviewer’s time by asking questions that could be answered with a quick internet search. Be sure to read the job description and look at the organization’s website ahead of your interview. This should answer basic questions and may also serve as inspiration for deeper questions. If you are interviewing for multiple positions at different organizations, review these materials shortly before the interview so that the information is fresh in your mind.

Based on the materials you’ve reviewed, add some questions to your list about this specific role and organization. You might consider questions about the position, the organization, short- and long-term goals, and company culture.

Basic question: Where are the company’s headquarters?
Better question: I see that the company has sites in three other cities. Are there opportunities for collaboration across company sites? What do those collaborations look like?

Basic question: How many employees are at this company location?
Better question: In what ways does the company enable employees to work cross-divisionally to accomplish goals?

Basic question: Is there any chance of being promoted from this position?
Better question: Tell me about the last person who was promoted on the team. What typically goes into those decisions?

Reference discussions from earlier in the interview where appropriate

Entering an interview with some questions you want to ask may help put you at ease. However, sometimes the most interesting questions come up during the discussion. As you are interviewing, take notes on things that interest you and jot down additional questions. Although it may not be appropriate to ask these questions right away, asking follow-up questions later shows that you are engaged in the discussion and able to think on your feet.

Satisfying conversations feel two-directional. When you ask questions, you get to show your conversational skills to your future colleagues or bosses. As the interview becomes a discussion, they will see more of how you think and how you will engage with them as colleagues.

Even if you feel like you have already gained a lot of new knowledge about the position and organization during the interview, dig deeper, especially on topics that matter most to you.

Example question: Earlier you mentioned that everyone on the team is really invested in the work. I love being part of a motivated team, and I also know that conflict can arise when people feel strongly about the work that they are doing. Could you tell me about a time when the team experienced some conflict and how it was resolved?

Bonus tip: If you’re going to use a question like this, be prepared to have it turned around on you. In this case, be prepared to answer: How do you handle conflict? Can you give an example?

Example question: Everyone I’ve talked to so far has said that collaboration is a core company value. I understand that collaborations are maintained across divisions and company sites. Could you tell me more about what these collaborations look like practically? How do these relationships form? Are they mostly in-person or virtual? Whom would I be most likely to collaborate with if I took on this role?

You can also ask questions that demonstrate you have a growth mindset:

What you ask: How does the company support the continuous professional development of its employees?
What an interviewer may hear: I am always looking to learn new things to stay relevant in my field.

Think about what your questions say about you, not just about getting answers

When you are trying to picture yourself in a new role, you may be wondering what the workspace looks like, how often you can work from home, and what your salary is going to be. However, interviews should be focused on bigger-picture concerns, such as fit and expertise.

Keep in mind how your questions reflect on you.

What you ask: How often can I work from home?
What they hear: How often can I sit around in my pajamas and watch Netflix while pretending to work?

What you ask: How does the company support the continuous professional development of its employees?
What they hear: I am planning to stay relevant in my field and adapt to business changes.

Unless a logistical consideration is a deal breaker for you, save it for the negotiation process. If you move forward as a candidate, there will be plenty of time later to ask more detailed questions and negotiate what would make the job work for you.

Asking thoughtful questions is a key component to making a good impression during an interview. To put your best foot forward, ask questions that engage with the content of the work and show that you have a high interest in the company.