10 Questions You Must Ask During an Interview (Don’t Skip These!)
by Ani
Feb 4, 2026
at 11:17 AM
10 Questions You Must Ask During an Interview (Don’t Skip These!)
Ever felt stuck or awkward during an interview because you didn’t know what to ask? You’re not alone and don’t worry, this article has your back.
When you ask the right questions during an interview, you don’t just look more prepared but you also protect your future. Questions like “What are the career growth opportunities here?” or “How would you describe the company culture?” help you make better decisions and leave a strong impression.
Let’s break down the 10 must ask questions you should always bring to an interview.
What Is an Interview and Why Does It Matter?
An interview is basically a two way conversation between an employer and a job candidate to see if there’s a good fit for both sides.
It’s not just about whether they want you. It’s also about whether you want them.
In Malaysia, interviews can range from very formal to super casual, depending on the company and role. Either way, interviews are a crucial step before any hiring decision is made.
Why Interviews Are Important in the Hiring Process
Interviews help employers assess:
Your skills and experience
Your attitude and communication style
Whether you fit the company culture
At the same time, interviews give you the chance to understand:
What the job really involves
How the company operates
Whether your rights as an employee are respected (including awareness of Malaysia’s Employment Act)
If the answer feels vague or evasive, that’s a small red flag.
2. How is performance or KPI measured here?
Short answer: This shows you care about performance—not just collecting a paycheck.
Why this matters for your career:
Many employees in Malaysia feel stressed because:
KPIs aren’t clear
Targets keep changing
Performance reviews depend on the boss’s mood
By asking this, you’ll know:
Whether KPIs are based on numbers, quality, or attitude
How often reviews are done
Whether there’s a proper system
Employers like candidates who think ahead.
3. What are the main challenges for this role in the first 6 months?
Short answer: This shows you’re realistic and mentally prepared.
Why this makes you look mature:
People who ask this question usually:
Aren’t naive
Understand that no job is perfect
Want to prepare early
The answer can reveal:
Real problems within the team
Work pressure
System or manpower limitations
Honest answers often indicate a healthier work culture.
4. How would you describe the work culture and team communication?
Short answer: This helps you see if the environment suits your personality.
Many companies say, “We’re like a family.”
But in reality:
Overtime isn’t paid
Messages come in after working hours
Boundaries don’t exist
This question helps you understand:
Formal vs casual communication
Whether micromanagement exists
How conflicts are handled
Your mental health matters. This question protects you.
5. What learning and career growth opportunities are available here?
Short answer: This shows you have a growth mindset, not a short-term mentality.
Why employers like this question:
It signals that:
You want to grow
You’re planning to stay
You take your career seriously
Ask about:
Training programs
Courses
Promotion opportunities
If the answer is just “depends on performance” with no examples, think twice.
6. What is the leadership style of the manager or supervisor?
Short answer: The wrong boss can turn a dream job into a nightmare.
Many people quit jobs not because of salary but because of their boss.
This question helps you evaluate:
Supportive vs authoritarian leadership
Openness to ideas
How feedback is given
If you’ve had a toxic boss before, this question is crucial.
7. What are the actual working hours and overtime (OT) policy?
Short answer: This protects your rights as an employee.
Under Malaysia’s Employment Act 1955, employees are entitled to:
Overtime pay
Reasonable working hours
Ask professionally about:
Actual working hours
Flexibility
How OT is calculated
Vague or defensive answers = early warning sign.
8. What does the onboarding process look like for new employees?
Short answer: This tells you whether you’ll be guided—or left to struggle alone.
Without proper onboarding, new hires often:
Feel stressed
Make mistakes
Burn out quickly
Good onboarding usually includes:
Initial training
A mentor
Clear SOPs
This shows the company cares about its people.
9. What is the biggest challenge the team is facing right now?
Short answer: This gives you a realistic look into the company’s current situation.
The answer may reveal:
Operational issues
Staff shortages
Market pressure
Honest answers reflect mature leadership.
10. What are the next steps after this interview?
Short answer: Simple but very strategic.
This question shows that you are:
Interested
Proactive
Respectful of everyone’s time
It also helps you:
Manage expectations
Know when to follow up
Reduce post interview overthinking
Why Asking Questions Increases Your Interview Success
In short:
You appear more confident
You seem mature and prepared
You’re not a passive candidate
Interviewers remember candidates who ask thoughtful questions.
Looking for a Job? Let’s Find the Right One
Ever felt stuck in a job because you didn’t ask the right questions during the interview? You’re not alone.
Your career matters and the right questions can change everything. With Maukerja Job Matcher, AI matches your resume with jobs that fit your skills and experience. Drop your resume now and increase your chances of getting interview calls.
The faster you apply, the higher your chances. Don’t let missed interview questions cost you big opportunities.
1. What questions should I ask during an interview?
You should ask about company culture, career growth opportunities, and employee benefits like EPF and SOCSO. These questions help you understand the work environment and long-term prospects.
Example questions:
“How does the company support employee career growth?”
“Are regular training programs provided?”
2. How do I ask about salary during an interview?
Ask politely and professionally, such as:
“Could you explain the salary structure and allowances?”
“How are salary increments usually handled here?”
This helps align expectations early.
3. Why is it important to ask about company culture?
Company culture affects your daily work experience and well-being.
Ask questions like:
“How does the company support work life balance?”
In Malaysia, a healthy work culture is key to long-term productivity and happiness.
4. Can I ask about benefits like leave and bonuses?
Yes. You should ask about:
Annual leave
Medical leave
Bonus structure
Example:
“How many annual leave days are provided?”
“How does the annual bonus system work?”
This helps with financial and life planning.
5. Is it important to ask about training and development?
Absolutely. It shows you want to grow and add value.
Example:
“Does the company offer continuous training or career development programs?”
Many Malaysian companies include training as part of employee benefits.
