5 Questions To Ask Your Interviewer That Will Make You Unforgettable

Don't let nerves hold you back in your next interview. It's not just about impressing your future employer – it's about finding the perfect fit for your career goals. Turn the tables and take charge of the conversation by asking these five game-changing questions. Make a lasting impression and gain the knowledge you need to make the right career move.

Why it matters: This question helps you know the most important quality they want in a new team member. It shows you want to fit in well and can highlight how your skills match what they're looking for. Use this opportunity to showcase how you have used the top strength mentioned by your interviewer and how you directly align with the team's needs, highlighting your potential impact on their collective goals.

What to look out for: Pay attention to how excited they seem about this quality. If they sound unsure or not too interested, it might be a sign the team dynamic isn't strong or they are unclear about their needs.
Why it matters: Understanding the traits that have historically led to success or failure in the position you're interviewing for is like peering into a crystal ball for your potential career trajectory. This question reveals the employer's expectations and helps you gauge whether your work style aligns with the characteristics that thrive in the role. It also reflects your proactive approach to self-improvement, signaling to the interviewer that you are committed to not only meeting but exceeding expectations.

What to look out for: If they focus a lot on failures and seem negative, it could be a red flag. It might mean they have high expectations, or the role has challenges. Ask follow-up questions to understand more.

Why it matters: This question not only shows that you are interested in the company's long-term vision but also allows you to gauge the interviewer's enthusiasm for their own workplace. Passionate responses can be clues to a positive and forward-thinking culture.

What to look out for: If they don't seem enthusiastic or struggle to answer, it might indicate uncertainty or internal issues. It's a cue to dig deeper and explore if there are concerns about the company's direction.

Why it matters: This will give you insight into how they perceive leadership within the company and help you discover if you can see yourself working there long term. Pay close attention to their body language and the way they describe others. If they struggle to respond, it might be a sign they don’t play well with others or that there might be a deeper issue with management.

What to look out for: If they can't think of anyone or describe someone negatively, it might signal a lack of positive role models or a potential toxic environment. Consider how this aligns with your preferences.

BONUS!** If you want an entire bank of questions that will help you avoid a toxic manager or workplace, check out Module 5 in the Elevated Career Change Accelerator for instant access!

Why it matters: Wrapping up the interview with a question about potential hesitations shows your openness to feedback and your willingness to address any concerns head-on. It also provides a chance to clarify any aspects of your qualifications that may not have been fully addressed during the conversation. This final question leaves a positive and proactive impression, showcasing your commitment to continuous improvement and your eagerness to meet the employer's expectations.

What to look out for: If they hesitate or mention specific concerns, address them calmly and confidently. However, if they seem unwilling to discuss, it could be a sign of underlying issues with their communication style or the interview process. If they don’t provide a response, don’t push back or keep asking. Move forward and thank them for the opportunity to learn more about the company.

Remember, the interview is not just about impressing the employer but also about finding the right fit for your career goals. By asking these five questions, you leave a lasting impression and gather crucial insights to make the right career move.