Interviewing is like dating
When searching for a romantic partner you've probably thought about what you’re looking for in that person, and when you’re on those initial dates, you’re spending that time getting to know the person by asking [and answering] questions and observing their behaviors, all in an effort to put your best foot forward AND assess if they’re a match for you.
The same is true when interviewing for a job.
This means it’s imperative to prepare thoughtful questions that align with what you’re looking for, to ensure you collect the data needed to assess whether the job and company is indeed a match for you.
Not to mention, asking thoughtful and authentic questions positions you as a mature and prepared professional, and one that's thinking deeply about the role and company, all of which will impress the interviewer.
It's also strategic to respond to the interviewers answers to your questions, giving you another opportunity to showcase your alignment with precisely what they're looking for.
Questions that impress
1- What are the most important attributes for a successful person in this role and what will differentiate good performance and great performance?
The answer should give you a clear understanding of the type of person who'll succeed in this role.
Pay close attention to what the interviewer says and get honest with yourself whether or not you align with the description, currently or aspire to.
This question shows the interviewer that you're doing your due diligence to assess if this role is right for you, which builds confidence in the interviewer that you aren’t interested in taking just any job, but rather, a job that's well aligned with you as a professional.
You should also respond to their answer by highlighting your attributes that are relevant (assuming there is alignment).
2- What is the most frustrating challenge this role will face?
Notice how easily the interviewer answers this question and also what the specific challenge is.
Again, get honest with yourself about whether or not you're up for the challenge.
If you are, respond with an answer that shows how this challenge aligns with your motivations or professional goals.
Showing the interviewer how motivated you are to navigate this challenge will position you as an ideal candidate.
3- How are employees supported to learn and grow in their roles?
This is especially important to ask if it's something that matters to you.
Listen for evidence that backs up what they’re saying, such as, “Yes, we value growing our employees AND we allocate $$ to professional development every year. We also have development plans for high performers.”
This is just an example, but you can see that they aren’t only saying they value this, but then showing you evidence that this actually happens.
You can follow up with how important learning and growing is for you and how you would go about doing it for yourself in the role, regardless of what the company does.
This shows proactivity, agency, and self-management, all of which are very impressive.
4- How would you describe the culture of the company and what are some activities that reinforce this culture?
Again, you want evidence of what they say.
It's really easy for someone to talk a good game, but in this case you need to see how they’re cultural values are espoused.
Asking them for examples of how this plays out shows you're an analytical thinker and you understand how culture is seen and felt throughout the company, positioning you as a strategic thinker with professional maturity, and of course gives you important data about the company.
Wrap up
Ask about next steps in the process and when you should expect to hear back.
You can also ask how many other candidates are being interviewed to get a sense of the competition. They may or may not answer this directly, but it’s worth a shot.
You should also ask the interviewer if there are any other questions they have for you or anything you can explain further about any questions they’ve already asked.
Exercise your interview muscle
Interviewing is a muscle that, when exercised, will get very strong.
Think about every interview as an opportunity to build this muscle, and take 15 minutes after each interview to evaluate your performance by asking yourself what you did well and what you could do better for the next one.
You should also practice for each and every interview! And if you want my specific method to prepare that will ensure you nail the interview, schedule a free career consult and I'll give you the exact method I use with my clients that lands them offers.