In today’s competitive job market, it’s crucial to set yourself apart during interviews. Asking insightful questions not only demonstrates your genuine interest in a role, but also shows your strategic thinking and understanding of the role and company your interviewing with.
I’ve been asked recently for the best questions to ask in an interview that leave a lasting impression, so I thought I’d write some of them down to help others preparing for interviews too!
"What sets apart really successful individuals in this role from those that are doing 'ok'?"
This question highlights your desire to excel and understand the key traits that drives success.
"What sort of attitude would add value to the culture in the current team?"
This highlights your understanding that cultural fit is crucial and that you’re willing to adapt to and enhance the team’s dynamics.
"Can you tell me one thing about the business that I wouldn't be able to find online?"
This demonstrates your curiosity and eagerness to learn about the company and will usually result in some incredible insights as well as make them stop and think!
"How will you know if someone has been successful in this role?"
By asking this, you’re showing that you’re already thinking about the next steps and shows your ambition to meet and exceed targets.
"In your experience with the company , what has been a key factor contributing to its ongoing success or growth?"
This shows your genuine interest into what makes the business tick and gives you an insight into how they’ve become successful, and where you can fit into that journey.
"How is collaboration fostered among team members, especially in a remote/hybrid environment?"
This question underscores your awareness of “ new ways of working” and your commitment to effective teamwork.
"What do you feel is the biggest challenge for this role and what's been done to solve it so far?"
Asking this shows your proactive approach to problem-solving as well as giving you an insight into their methodology for attacking problems.
Asking these questions can set you apart by showing that you’re not just looking for any job, but the right job where you can thrive and make a significant impact. Remember, interviews are a two-way street, and asking the right questions to get all the information you need to assess whether you want to work for a business is just as important as the questions they’re asking you at interview!
If you have any other great questions to add to the list, I’d love to hear from you! You can contact me at seb.taylor@pod-talent.com.
Best of luck in your next interview!