8 interview questions you need to ask

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Interviews can be nerve-wracking, even for the most prepared candidates. While having strong answers is key, the questions you ask can be just as powerful.

Your goal in an interview is to position yourself as the solution to their needs.

Smart, thoughtful questions turn the interview into a 2-way conversation, helping you stand out, build rapport, and position yourself as the best fit. When done right, they also allow the interviewers to envision you in the role and company, short and longer term.

With that in mind, there's certain questions that take things to the next level and help you to secure, not just offers, but higher salaries like our client, who ended up securing a multiple 6-figure offer. Let's dive in!

8 interview questions to solidify your candidacy

1/ What was it about my specific background that made you want to meet with me today?

This golden question is great for first-round interviews because of how revealing it can be for you.

It is definitely one you will want to ask right after they ask you "How are you?" at the start of your interview before you get into the "Tell me about yourself" question.

Example: "I am doing great and really excited to speak with you today regarding X role as it lines up so well with my career aspirations. I would also love to know, what was it about my specific background that made you want to meet with me today?"

This is where the interviewer(s) will share exactly what intrigued them or drew them to you in the first place, giving you direct insight into what sets you apart from other candidates. You can then use this information to reinforce the most relevant examples and accomplishments you share in your other interview answers.

2/ What are the top 3 traits found in your most successful leaders?

Firstly, this question shows that you're keen to grow within the company and are already thinking a few steps ahead allowing the interviewer(s) to already visualize you longer-term in the company.

Secondly, this question provides clear insight into what the company values most in their highest-performing leaders.

I recommend integrating this question after being asked a question around your strengths or having walked through a behavioural question like "Tell me about a time when".

Example: "I always strive for excellence in the work I do and aim to set myself up for the most success in my roles. With that in mind, what would you say are the top 3 traits found in your most successful leaders?"

3/ What would make the difference between someone meeting versus exceeding your expectations in this role?

This question is perfect to gauge what your interviewer(s) are actually looking for in their ideal candidate. It sets the tone for what distinguishes you in the role to drive maximum impact.

You can integrate this as a follow-up question after a question like "Tell me about yourself" or "Walk me through your resume".

Example: "Having said that, what would make the difference between someone meeting versus exceeding your expectations in this role?"

4/ Thinking back to others in this role prior, what set apart those who were good from those who were great?

This question is an absolute favourite from my team member and Senior Talent Acquisition Manager for Gap Inc, Amanda. She speaks with hundreds of candidates each week and supports our clients to nail their interviews each time. This question is best asked mid-interview, after discussing more about your experiences and qualifications.

Example: "I want to make sure I truly excel in this role if given the opportunity. Thinking back to others who have been in this position prior, what set apart those who were good from those who were great?"

5/ What is the #1 pain point for the team right now that you'd like me to help solve in the first 30-60 days in my role?

This question will help you identify what is the biggest opportunity area you can support the company in by taking on the role. It also shows that you are solution-oriented and eager to make a meaningful impact from the outset. Moreover, this question provides insight into the team's current struggles and priorities, giving you a clear target to aim for if you are hired.

You can integrate this as a follow-up question after being asked about a challenge or difficult situation you had to handle.

Example: "I know that handling X types of challenges is part of the role and it is something that motivates me a lot. That said, what is the #1 pain point for the team right now that you would like me to help solve in the first 30-60 days in my role?"

6/ If hired into this role, what are the key metrics that would be used to measure my success?

This question shows that you’re results-driven and proactive about understanding expectations. It also helps you gain clarity on what the company values most in this role, whether it’s revenue growth, project execution, leadership impact, or something else.

Example: "To ensure I make the biggest impact, I’d love to understand how success in this role is measured. What key metrics or milestones would indicate I’m excelling in this position?"

Not only does this help you gauge expectations, but it also signals to the interviewer that you’re already thinking about how to add value. The added bonus is that this type of question elevates your earning potential, just like our client this past week.

7/ If I started this position right away, what's the most important contribution I could bring to the team to support their objectives?

This question is great for second or third round interviews once you're meeting with either your eventual new boss or other stakeholders in the team you'd be joining. It also comes in handy for panel interviews.

Example: "I understand there's key objectives the team is working on right now. What's the most important contribution I could bring to the team to support them in that?"

8/ Do you have any last hesitations or concerns regarding my ability to perform this role effectively that I can clarify or discuss now?

This question often gets a negative connotation as it is a bold and proactive one that can significantly influence the outcome of your interview.

In reality, asking this question invites the interviewer to voice any lingering doubts they may have, giving you the opportunity to address and resolve them directly while you're still together. It shows your confidence, openness to feedback, and commitment to ensuring a mutual fit.

Example: "Thank you for sharing that with me. I do agree that this particular area is not one that I have had 3 years of experience with to date. That said, in my former role, I had also come in with lesser experience on a focal area of the business and was confident that my complimentary abilities in A, B, C would more than offset that learning curve.

In fact, in the first month in that role, I shadowed 3 of my peers who were recognized as strong performers in that 1 area and I asked a lot of questions to fill in my gaps as quickly as possible. By the time I had completed my first 3 months in that role, I was already much more fluid in that competency. By the end of my first year in that role, I had become the top performer for this in my division. Ultimately, my drive for challenge, curiosity to learn and willingness to feel uncomfortable is what has helped propel me further in my past roles, including the example I just shared with you, and I am confident I can do the same here."

You've got this!

This week’s mission: In your next interview, or even an informal career path conversation, practice asking high-impact questions to solidify your candidacy for your next move.

• Choose 3 questions from today’s newsletter and adapt them, if needed, to fit your situation.
• Practice them out loud yourself before the interview/conversation to get comfortable with the flow.
• Lead with curiosity, openness, and a focus on learning what truly drives success in the role.

Bonus tip: If you have multiple offers coming in at once and you need to buy yourself some extra time, check out this short video on how to handle it!

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Tiffany Uman

Career Strategy Coach & Workplace Expert ? LinkedIn Learning Instructor ? Former Fortune 500 Senior Director ? Forbes Coaches Council member

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