Guides · Screening calls · 8 October 2026

Questions to ask at the end of a phone interview

The interview is winding down. You're relieved. Then:

"Great. So, do you have any questions for me?"

The worst answer is "No, I think you covered everything." It sounds polite. It actually sounds like you've already checked out.

Flip it around. This is the only part of the interview where you're in charge. Use it to find out whether you even want this job.

How many questions should you ask?

Use the 5-3-1 rule:

• Prepare 5 questions.
• Expect to ask 3. Some get answered along the way.
• Know your 1 most important question, and ask it first in case time runs out.

What should you ask each person?

Asking a recruiter about code reviews is like asking a waiter how the oven works. Ask each person what they actually know.

Recruiter: the process expert

• "What does the rest of the process look like?"
• "Why is this role open?"
• "Is there anything in my background you'd like me to clarify for the hiring manager?"

That last one lets you fix a doubt before it lands in their notes. (See how it rescues a shaky recruiter screening call.)

Hiring manager: your future boss

• "Six months from now, what would make you say hiring me was a great decision?"
• "What's the team's biggest headache right now?"
• "What do your best people have in common?"

The first one gets them picturing you in the job. That's no accident.

Future teammate: the honest one

• "Walk me through last Tuesday. What did you actually do?"
• "What's the most frustrating part of working here?"

"Last Tuesday" beats "a typical day". A typical day gets the brochure. Last Tuesday gets the truth.

Senior leader: the big picture

• "What would you want this team known for in a year?"
• "What's changed most since you joined?"

The follow-up trick

The best question is often one you didn't prepare. Catch something they said in passing and go back to it:

"Earlier you mentioned the team just moved to a new support tool. How's that going?"

It proves you were listening, and it never sounds rehearsed.

Which questions hurt you?

How should you close the call?

Don't just say "Thanks, bye." Say:

"Thanks, this was really useful. Hearing about the new support tool makes me even more keen. What are the next steps?"

Short, specific, and the last thing they hear before writing their notes.

Quick answers

Is it bad to have no questions at the end of an interview?

Yes. It can read as low interest. Ask at least one, even if it's a follow-up on something the interviewer said.

How many questions should I ask at the end of a phone interview?

Prepare five and ask two or three. Put your most important question first in case the call runs short.

What is the best question to ask a hiring manager?

"Six months from now, what would make you say hiring me was a great decision?" It reveals their priorities and gets them picturing you in the role.

Can I ask about salary at the end of an interview?

Ask the recruiter, not the hiring manager, especially in early rounds.

How do I end a phone interview?

Thank them, mention one specific thing that increased your interest, and ask what the next steps are.