Feeling jittery about your upcoming interview? The secret to calming those nerves and standing out is simple: come prepared with thoughtful and impressive questions. Not only will it impress the recruiter and show your genuine interest, but it’ll also give you the inside scoop on whether this job is truly your perfect match. Let’s turn those nerves into confidence!
How will you measure the success of the person in this position?
This question shows you’re not just here to do the job – you’re here to excel. Understanding what success looks like helps you determine expectations and ensure you’re aiming for the right targets from day one.
Can you describe a typical day in this position?
No one likes surprises when it comes to a new job. This question helps you get a feel for the day-to-day reality of the role, so you can decide if it aligns with your skills, work style, and expectations. If the interviewer answers with, “Well, every day is different,” try asking, “Could you describe what the past month looked like for someone in this position? What took up most of their time?”.
What are some of the challenges you expect the person in this position to face?
Every job has its hurdles, and you want to be ready for them. Asking this shows you’re proactive and prepared to tackle obstacles head-on – exactly the mindset hiring managers love.
Thinking back to people you’ve seen do this work previously, what differentiated the ones who were good from the ones who were really great at it?
This is a power move – it gives you insight into what it takes to truly thrive in the role and lets you showcase how you embody those standout qualities. The beauty of this question is that it cuts right to the core of what every great hiring manager wants. They’re not just looking for someone who can meet expectations – they want someone who can exceed them. By asking this, you’re showing that you share that mindset and are driven to go above and beyond.
What do you like about working here?
Turning the tables a bit! This question helps you gauge the company’s strengths from an insider’s perspective—and let’s be honest, the way they answer can tell you a lot.
How would you describe the culture here? What type of people tend to thrive here, and what type of people don’t do as well?
Culture fit matters. According to a survey by Hays, 46% of job seekers consider company culture as a deciding factor when choosing a job. This question helps you determine if you’ll vibe with the team and work environment, making sure you’ll be in a place where you can truly thrive.
What are the company’s long-term goals, and how does this position contribute to them?
You’re not just looking for any job—you’re looking for the right job. This question shows you have a forward-thinking mindset and making a difference is important to you.
What’s something that would surprise me about working here?
A little curveball to get beyond the standard interview script! This question often reveals unique aspects of the company that you wouldn’t find on the website, giving you a clearer picture of what to expect.
Own the interview, own your future
Before your interview, spend time really determining what is important to you as well as what you bring to the table. The right job is a two-way fit, and these impressive questions help ensure that you’re stepping into a role where you can thrive. Looking for more career advice? Check out all our articles here!
