Stand Out in Your Job Interview: 15 Strategic Questions to Ask

By Andrew Lokenauth

I’ve worked 15+ years in finance & tech and have hired many people. Here are the 15 best questions to ask in any job interview (and how to stand out):

1) What are your expectations for this role?

Respond by explaining how you plan on exceeding expectations.

2) What do you see as some of the biggest challenges that someone in this position will face?

Respond by explaining how you’ve overcome obstacles in prior roles. This will show that you are a problem solver.

3) What skills are you looking for in a candidate?

Use this to find out exactly what they are looking for, then explain how you have each of the skills that they are looking for, and examples of utilizing these skills in prior roles.

4) What are some of the things I can do in my first months to add value and contribute?

Ask this question to find out where they need help and how you can add value, then explain how you can accomplish what they need help with and be an asset to the company.

5) What would I be expected to accomplish in my first month, first six months, and year on the job?

Ask this question to get a better understanding of your first year of the job. Use this as an opportunity to explain how you will contribute and add value.

6) Where do you see this company going in 5 years?

This is a great question to get a better insight into the future of the company, as well as show your interest in the company.

7) How do you see this position growing, evolving or changing?

This is a great question to learn about growth within the company, as well as show your interest in a long-term commitment.

8) How would you describe your management style?

This is a great question to ask in order to get a sense of how you will be managed, trained and developed. You can also use this question to see if you and the hiring manager will be compatible with one another.

9) How would you describe the work environment and the work/ life balance?

This is a great question to get a sense of the culture of the company, and to help you assess if this role and company will be a good fit for you.

10) What kind of hours are expected for me to perform this role? What would a typical workweek look like?

This is a great question to get a sense of how many hours per week this role would require of you.

11) What are some things that you enjoy most about working here?

This is a great question to ask in order to see the selling points of a role and company. If you are deciding between multiple offers, this is a good question to help you compare offers.

12) Provided excellent performance, what are the paths for growth?

This is a great question to ask to get a better sense of opportunities and upward mobility in a company and role. This is great to know if comparing multiple offers.

13) Which systems do you use? Which computer programs would I be working with?

This is a great question to display your strengths using systems in comparison to other candidates. If you don’t have experience in a program, explain a time when you learned a new system quickly.

14) Do you have any questions or concerns about my ability to do the job or my background?

This is your last chance to sell yourself. Use this question to clarify any doubts the interviewer may have about you or your skills. Use this question to set yourself apart.

15) Can I answer any final questions for you?

Ask this question to ensure there are no lingering or outstanding questions about you or your ability to perform this role. You do not want to leave an interview with outstanding questions!

Bonus:

Don’t forget to thank the interviewer for their time, and let them know that you enjoyed this discussion.

Also, mention your excitement about the possibility of joining this company!

Is there anything that you’d add?

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The post Master your Job Interview: The 15 Best Questions to Ask at the End of a Job Interview appeared first on Andrew Lokenauth.