8 unique interview questions to help you land the job

While the job interview process can be daunting, it presents a unique opportunity not only to present yourself but also to assess whether the job and company are a good fit for you. Surprisingly, despite this opportunity, 99% of candidates either neglect or fail to leverage the question-answer segment effectively. To help you stand out and potentially increase your job offer chances, here are eight unique questions designed to leave a lasting impression and reveal crucial insights about the company and role.

1. Projecting Success

Ask: "Fast Forward One Year, You're Looking Back on This Hire. What Did They Do to Exceed Every Expectation?" This question signals your intent to not just fill the role but excel in it. It also allows the interviewer to articulate their highest expectations, giving you a clear target to aim for.

2. Uncovering Hidden Gems

Ask: "What Is the Most Unexpected Thing You've Learned While Working Here?" This prompts the interviewer to share personal insights and experiences, offering you a rare glimpse into the company's culture and possibly, its quirks and hidden advantages.

3. Understanding the Role's Context

Ask: "Why Is This Role Open?" Knowing whether the position is newly created or recently vacated can provide context on what to expect and how to prepare for success in the role.

4. Cultural Fit and Misfits

Ask: "Who Would Not Be a Good Fit at This Company?" This question helps you understand the company culture better and evaluate whether your personality and working style would be a good fit.

5. Aligning with Managerial Goals

Ask: "What Goals Has Your Manager Set for You Over the Next 6 Months? How Can This Hire Help You Achieve Them?" This shows foresight and demonstrates your commitment to contributing to your potential manager’s success, which can be particularly impressive.

6. Career Growth and Opportunities

Ask: "How Many People in This Role Have Been Promoted to More Senior Internal Positions?" The answer can indicate the role's potential for growth and whether the company supports internal career advancement.

7. Encouragement to Innovate

Ask: "Can You Tell Me About a Time When Someone Was Encouraged to Step Outside Their Job Description?" This can tell you a lot about the company’s flexibility and its approach to employee development and innovation.

8. Strategic Directions

Ask: "Can You Walk Me Through the Roadmap and Projections for the Next 12 Months?" Understanding the company’s future plans can help you gauge how well it aligns with your career goals.

Asking pointed, thoughtful questions not only demonstrates your interest in the role and the company but also provides you with better insights to make an informed decision about your potential new job. Remember, interviews are a two-way street: they are as much an opportunity for you to interview the company as they are for the company to interview you.

Next time you’re preparing for a job interview, consider these questions to differentiate yourself from other candidates and get a clearer picture of what lies ahead. What’s your strategy for ensuring a successful interview?