Interview Questions that Make You Stand Out

An interview is not only an opportunity for a hiring manager to learn about your job qualifications, it’s a great chance for you to ask astute interview questions about what the job offers you. Asking some—or all—of the following nine interview questions will help you stand out from other candidates.  

1. Will this job be in-office, WFH, or a combination? Even if this was stated in the job description, further clarification about present and future plans will help you see how they mesh with your needs and desires.
2. Please describe a typical day in this job. The answer should give you a sense of how intense your job responsibilities will be: Overwhelming? Reasonable? A good fit for your temperament and abilities?
   
3. What challenges might I face in this job? Here’s how to learn what skills you’ll need to succeed. It also allows you to explain how you’ve overcome similar challenges in the past.
   
4. How do you set employee goals? You’re hoping to hear that the company has a formal goal-setting process that can help you steer a clear path to success.
   
5. How will my performance be measured? It’s important to know how often performance reviews and regular feedback are given.
   
6. Tell me about my potential team members. Some awareness of the kinds of people you’ll be working with and their individual roles is always useful.
   
7. Are there professional development training opportunities available? This question shows you’re focused on career growth through training events, workshops, tuition reimbursement, and more.
   
8. What do you like best about working for this company? Hearing the interviewer’s favorite things about the job should clue you in to the company culture and if it’s a good fit.
   
9. What’s your hiring timeline? You need to know their urgency in filling the job. If you’re asked back, also ask how many other people you’ll be expected to interview with.

These nine interview questions should show the hiring manager your interest and engagement—and the answers should help you decide whether this job is one you’re eager to pursue.

 Bonus—Pitfalls to Avoid

• Don’t ask about salary—unless you’re in the final stages of the interviewing process.
• Don’t ask questions that are too personal—say, about the interviewer’s family or hobbies.
• Don’t ask about anything available on the company website/its social media. You should know the organization’s history, mission, vision, and other pertinent information before the interview.