Wow, this thread has a strong attraction for the overthinkers and the slightly-sociopathic. :) This question, or some variant of it, is useful when both sides

Wow, this thread has a strong attraction for the overthinkers and the slightly-sociopathic. :) This question, or some variant of it, is useful when both sides take it seriously, in context, and have a mostly-honest conversation about fit between a person and a workplace. Otherwise, not. A lot of these comments make it sound like the goal in an interview is simply to "play the game" to get the job, regardless of what the job turns out to actually be like, or whether you're a good fit for the workplace culture. If you're starving and desperate to get any job, then sure, that makes sense. Otherwise, it's not a good idea to start your relationship on that note. It seems obvious that interviews aren't going to work well when either side is desperate or blatantly dishonest.