What Questions to Ask in an Interview

The Momentum Files #41

Ask bonkers-good interview questions.

You’re sitting across from a potential new employer discussing what could be your next career opportunity (and a dream opportunity at that!). The conversation feels easy and natural. You’re showcasing your confidence and all the reasons you are a perfect fit.

You’ve spent hours preparing for this moment, getting yourself ready to answer anything the interviewer throws at you.

Then you hear it. And it stops you in your tracks.

“So, what questions do you have for me?”

It’s easy to get so caught up in how to answer interview questions that you forget to show up prepared to ask the interviewer good, insightful questions.

This is my advice to you.

When this question comes your way – and it will – it is your opportunity to take the reins, gather additional information about the job (is it as dreamy as you thought?) and connect more deeply through conversation.

Here are questions I highly recommend asking during your interviews.

(You don’t have to ask all of them... only the questions that are most relevant to your situation and the information you’re trying to gather.)

Remember to personalize your questions whenever possible, pulling in details from your experience and things discussed earlier in the interview. Showcasing your thoughtfulness, interests and attention to detail will make for a stand-out conversation!

Question(s) about the job itself:

👉 What’s the most important thing I should accomplish in the first 90 days?

Why this Q? It shows your desire to hit the ground running and immediately make valuable contributions to the team/company.

Question(s) about the team:

👉 What can you tell me about my direct reports?

👉 What are their strengths?

👉 What are the team’s biggest challenges?

Question(s) if interviewer is your potential new boss:

👉 What’s your favorite part of your job?

👉 What do you find the most challenging aspect of your role?

Why these Qs? Because this question is more personal in nature, your potential new boss (depending on how candid) could offer important insight into their personality, what it might be like to work for them and what highs and lows you might experience if you were to eventually move up into that position.

Question(s) about company direction:

What are the current goals that the company is focused on, and how does this team work to support achieving those goals?

Question(s) about company culture:

👉 What do new employees typically find surprising after they start?

👉 In what ways does the company prioritize [mention a few of your values… employee happiness, inclusivity, supporting professional growth and development, etc.]?

Why these Qs? It’s a great way to assess the working environment and employee morale. While an interviewer would be unlikely to spill details about a toxic company culture, how they answer these questions could help you to detect any red flags or debunk any concerns. The more detail the interviewer provides, the better you’ll be able to assess whether there is alignment in your values and if you’d fit in… or want to fit in.

Question(s) about professional growth and development:

👉 What professional development and learning opportunities will be available to me?

👉 Can you share examples of a career path that launched from this position?

👉 Does the company offer training or development programs that allow me (and the team) to achieve professional growth?

Why these Qs? It’s crucial to know what your career development path would look like in your new role. Your goal is to not only envision yourself in your new position but in future positions.

❗️ Expert Tip: Avoid asking questions that you can easily find the answers to by doing a quick Google search.

Head into your upcoming interviews with any of these questions (you’ll know which ones are relevant and most important to you!), and you’ll be unstoppable.

Since this email is all about asking questions… what questions do you have for me? Reply and ask me your most pressing question around career growth and professional development!

I’d love to connect with you!