5 questions that will impress in a job interview

If you want to be a truly great, memorable candidate when interviewing for a job, you will likely need to ask some ‘wow’-inducing questions during your interview. Such great questions are usually very well-researched, tailored, and also demonstrate your enthusiasm and work ethic.

Remember, most of the candidates will be asking questions about the role and you want to make sure the questions that will help you to stand out from the rest. The last thing you probably want is to get caught off-guard when the hiring manager ends the interview with “Do you have any questions for me?”.

1. The performance question: “How will you measure the success of the person in this position in their first six months and in their first year?”

Even though there is already a job description, there could be specifics that are on the interviewer's mind that may or may not be in the job description. This question will help you find out what it means to do well. It also shows enthusiasm, positivity and an understanding of the role. It also shows that you have prepared for the interview, and more importantly, it shows a real sense of your interest and commitment.

2. The culture question: “From what you know about me so far, how well do you think I will fit into the team?”

Asking about the team shows that you understand the importance of adapting to the group. It also shows that you’re aware of the importance of teamwork and office culture. Hopefully, the answer will be positive, and if the interviewer isn’t sure, it’ll give you the chance to show them that you do possess the right qualities. This is a good opportunity to assess how the interview is going and put your interviewers at ease if they have any doubts.

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3. The probing question: “I’m aware that employees have recently done presentations at (fill in specific name here) conference. Is that a typical opportunity in this job?”

This shows eagerness and an interest in going above and beyond your day-to-day work. It also shows that you have done research on the company and that you are up-to-date with industry news.

4. The opportunity question: “Where would you see the successful candidate progressing to?”

Asking about future opportunities for growth, training and personal development will show that you are looking for a long-term commitment to a role you can flourish in. In some roles, it may appear that there is no route to progress to, especially for specialist roles. A question like this, “Is there an opportunity to take on other responsibilities if appropriate?”, demonstrates your keenness for growth. It will also show that you’re excited to learn and progress, rather than sit tight and do the bare minimum. 

5. The uncover-skills-gaps question: “Do you have any concerns about my ability to do the role?”

At the end of the interview, it is really important to find out if the interviewer has any potential issues or doubts with your abilities for the role. This gives you the opportunity to further discuss your work experiences or share information that you did not think was important previously. If there is a knowledge or skills that you lack, it is essential to be honest with your capabilities, and then bring the focus back to your ability to adapt and passion for learning.

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