The Power of Asking Questions: Making a Lasting Impression in Your Next Interview

Interviews are a two-way street. And as interviewers evaluate your skills and compatibility, you need to determine if the role aligns with your goals and values.  

By asking insightful, well-timed questions, you can demonstrate your preparedness and interest while also moving the conversation forward in a way that helps you assess compatibility. The right questions help position you as focused on landing the job and on finding the proper fit for mutual success. 

Best Practices for Asking Questions During Interviews 

Ask Open-Ended Questions 

Focus on open-ended questions that encourage detailed responses instead of a simple “yes” or “no.” This invites conversation and gives you more information to evaluate the role and company. 

Show Genuine Interest 

Make sure your questions reflect genuine curiosity and authentic interest in the team, organization, and mission. Engaged candidates stand out. 

Prioritize the Essentials  

Time during interviews can be limited, so focus on asking the questions that are most important to you and will offer the most insight. 

Be Mindful of When/How You Ask Certain Questions 

During interviews, your initial priorities should be showcasing your experience, providing a glimpse into your personality, and validating why you’d be an excellent candidate to move forward. Once that’s established, you can dig deeper into details about the company culture, work-life balance, and more. 

And as you ask these questions, consider framing them in a way that doesn’t come across as too one-sided or focused on what’s in it for you.  

A Few Examples to Consider 

Role-Specific Questions 

• + What are the key responsibilities and expectations for this role in the first year? 

• + Can you describe the leadership style of the person this role reports to? 

• + How does this role interact with other stakeholders and teams? 

Company Culture and Team Dynamics 

• + What do you love about working here? What excites you about coming to work? 

• + Why is now a good time to join the team? 

• + What are the qualities and traits of successful people on this team? 

Challenges and Opportunities 

• + What challenges and opportunities do the company face in the industry? 

• + What keeps you up at night as a hiring manager, and how can this role help? 

• + What challenges or friction points should I be prepared for in this role? 

Personal Fit and Development 

• + What soft skills and qualities are most important for success in this role? 

• + When people don’t work out in this role, what are the common reasons? 

• + Is there anything else I can share about myself to give you a better sense of my fit for the role? 

Asking insightful, well-placed questions can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role and help you gain valuable details for making decisions. Following the above best practices and selecting a few key questions can result in a well-rounded view of the organization and show you’re serious about finding the right fit for your next career move.  

Ready to Hire? 

Smart, Savvy + Associates is a marketing recruitment agency that connects companies with marketing, communications and creative professionals at all levels, from coordinators to C-suite. Based in Vancouver, B.C., our team of marketers-turned-recruiters have an in-depth understanding of the industry and work diligently to find best-in-class talent for each search. Get started today.