7 Interview Questions To Boost Your Chance of Getting Hired

Research demonstrates that a job interview is either won or lost based on two essential qualities:

Confidence and Enthusiasm

The challenge with both? They can easily become too concentrated and, in some cases, may cause you to miss out on the role. Confidence can easily become arrogance and (over) enthusiasm may be interpreted as desperation.

How can you incorporate both qualities in your interview without going overboard? Easy.

Ask Smart, Savvy, and Well-Timed Questions

Common job interview questions (“How do you define success in this role?”) are no longer enough. To actively demonstrate both confidence and enthusiasm, you need to show you can see yourself doing the job and establish how you’ll thoughtfully approach it.

Asking smart questions is your chance to shine and help your interviewer visualize how you would tackle the responsibilities once the job is awarded to you. Your questions should convey that you’re not just interested in the job; you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and make a meaningful impact from day one.

Need a Few Ideas To Help You Get Started?

Here are seven suggestions to consider when you start crafting questions for your interview.

1.  Ask specific questions about your interviewer’s career path, how they ended up at the company, and why they chose to sign on.

(Hint: A quick pre-interview LinkedIn profile scan may be helpful.)

This allows you to connect on a human level, showing you’re not just focused on the job but also on the people and culture that make the organization unique.

Remember, interviews are an opportunity for the company to evaluate you and for you to assess if the company aligns with your career goals and values. Asking about your interviewer’s experiences can provide valuable insights into the company’s culture and growth opportunities – and help you assess if it’s the right fit.

2. Ask whether your interviewer currently has any challenging or enjoyable projects in motion.

As you chat with your interviewer, don’t hesitate to inquire about their current projects. You’ll learn more the company’s current priorities and the types of projects you might be involved in if you join the team.

It can also help you gather information that can be used to tailor your responses so they align with the company’s immediate needs and goals.

3. Study the company’s newsroom, press releases, and/or media coverage. Craft a question or two about something currently on their radar.

Asking about specific recent developments showcases your knowledge and opens the door to meaningful conversations about the company’s challenges and opportunities. This level of preparedness and insight can leave a lasting impression and set you apart as a candidate who goes the extra mile to understand the organization and its future direction.

4. If the annual report is available online, look through it and create a few questions based on what you read.

Asking about financial milestones, growth strategies, or any challenges mentioned in the report can position you as a candidate who’s invested in the company’s future. It demonstrates your preparedness and highlights your interest in the company’s long-term vision and stability.

5. Ask about the role’s mandate and contributions to the bottom line (e.g., increasing revenue, decreasing expenses, improving efficiencies).

Understanding the direct impact of the role on the company’s success demonstrates your business acumen and showcases your commitment to making a meaningful difference. It allows you to connect your skills and experiences to the organization’s goals, emphasizing how you can be an asset in driving positive results.

6. Instead of asking for your interviewer to describe the organizational culture, ask how their teams celebrate success and take corrective action when they have gone off course.

This can help you figure out if the company prioritizes acknowledging and rewarding hard work and innovation, offering more clues about the organization’s culture while signalling you’re interested in the practical aspects of working for the company.

Similarly, asking about corrective action when things go awry provides a glimpse into the company’s commitment to learning and continuous improvement.

7. Review their social feeds, see what stories are being told, and cite a few of them when zeroing in on culture, brand, and values.

Referencing specific social media content signals you’ve done your homework and are actively engaged with the company’s online presence. It’s a subtle way to reinforce your enthusiasm for the organization and its mission, leaving a positive impression during the interview.

Before you sit down for your next interview, take time to prepare questions that reflect your enthusiasm for the position, your understanding of the company, and your desire to excel in the role. During the interview, use these questions to collect crucial information and convey your interest. Gathering all the details you need to make an informed decision will be invaluable, saving you time and decision-making energy as you move forward in your career.

(And, of course, good luck!)

Ready to Make a Move?

Smart, Savvy + Associates is a boutique recruitment agency that specializes in helping companies find and hire the marketing, communications and creative professionals they need. From coordinators to C-suite, Smart Savvy is here to simplify the recruitment process and provide best-in-class candidates for their clients in (and around) Vancouver, BC.

Looking for your next opportunity? Visit our job board to apply for one of our open roles or join our ever-growing talent network.

This post was last updated in May 2024.