How to Ask Questions in an Interview to Stand Out

Going into an interview? Preparation is your best advantage. ✔ Review the company’s website and recent news. ✔ Understand the role — what problem are they hiring you to solve? ✔ Prepare 3 stories that showcase impact. ✔ Have 2 smart questions ready for the interviewer. Example question: “What qualities make someone successful in this position?” Interviews aren’t just about your skills — they’re about fit, communication, and mindset. Show confidence, stay curious, and treat it as a conversation between equals. A prepared candidate doesn’t need to be perfect — they just need to be intentional.

Most people prep for interviews by practicing answers. Fewer prep for the questions they’ll ask. Great questions show you have done your research and help you decide if the company is right for you. Try these: 1. What’s the biggest challenge the company is focused on right now? 2. How could I impress you in my first few months? 3. What are the opportunities for growth in this role? 4. How do you describe the leadership style here? 5. What excites you about working here? Asking smart questions makes the interview a two-way conversation. It also helps you understand if the job is the right next move for you. What’s your favorite interview question to ask?

💭The Power of Visibility in Interviews Yesterday, I had an interesting experience while taking an interview. The candidate I was speaking with happened to be more senior than me. As soon as we began, he asked a simple question: "Are you going to turn on your video?" I replied, “Sure, if you’d like me to, I’ll definitely turn it on.” Once I did, he explained why it mattered to him: when both people in an interview can see each other, it creates a sense of comfort, builds trust, and makes the conversation flow more naturally. After all, interviews are not just about skills and answers — they’re about communication, connection, and understanding. That moment reminded me of something important: interviews are two-way conversations, not just evaluations. Body language, expressions, and presence play a crucial role in effective communication. When we see each other, we connect better — and that’s true not only for interviews but for all professional interactions. 💡 Takeaway: Whether you’re the interviewer or the interviewee, turning on the video can add a human touch that goes beyond words. It fosters transparency, comfort, and a more genuine exchange of ideas. #interview #career #careergrowth #confidence

Going to an interview? Make sure you interview them as much as they interview you.👊 Most people walk in trying to impress. The smart ones walk in trying to understand.💭🤔 Use it as your chance to dig deep, not just nod along. Ask the uncomfortable questions. Get clarity on what life actually looks like behind the job title. Ask things like: 👉 Why is this role really available? 👉 What’s the culture actually like when things get tough? 👉 How do you treat people who make mistakes? 👉 What does “success” look like to you? And when you’re wrapping up hit them with this: “Is there anything that would stop you hiring me?” It’s bold. It shows confidence. And it tells you everything you need to know fast. So your not waiting on feedback post interview. Walk out with answers, not assumptions

Before an interview, most professionals prepare the same way: ✔ Research the company ✔ Revisit past achievements ✔ Rehearse answers to common questions All important - but not enough. Interviews are not only about what you’ve done. They’re about how you show up in the conversation. Here’s a different way to approach it: ❶ Engage as Equals Don’t walk in as someone seeking approval. Walk in as someone who brings value and perspective. It’s a meeting of two professionals, not a test. ❷ Ask Questions Early Great candidates don’t wait until the last five minutes to ask questions. They show curiosity from the start—and turn the interview into a real dialogue. ❸ Reinforce Your Candidate Posture You’re there as a potential colleague, not an outside advisor. Show how you’ll fit with the team and contribute to their success. This shift in mindset turns an interview from a stressful exam into a collaborative conversation. ➜ Don’t just answer their questions, shape the conversation with confidence and presence.

💡 Before an interview, most professionals prepare the same way: ✔ Research the company ✔ Revisit past achievements ✔ Rehearse answers to common questions All important - but not enough. An interview isn’t just about your résumé. It’s about how you show up in the conversation. Here’s a mindset shift that changes everything: 1️⃣ Engage as equals - you bring value too. 2️⃣ Ask questions early - create dialogue, not a Q&A. 3️⃣ Reinforce your candidate posture - show how you’ll fit and contribute. When you stop seeing it as a test, and start treating it as a professional conversation, confidence and presence follow. ➜ Don’t just answer their questions. Shape the conversation. Inspired by insights from Cyrille GOSSÉ & ElevateCareer.io #InterviewTips #CareerAdvice #JobSearch #InterviewPreparation #CareerGrowth #ProfessionalDevelopment #CareerSuccess #Leadership #MindsetShift #Coaching

Feeling Nervous Before an Interview? You’re Not Alone! 🌟 Nerves before an interview are common, but thorough preparation and a few mental strategies can help keep composure. Start with extensive research on the company; understanding their values, recent projects, and culture creates a sense of familiarity and makes the environment feel less intimidating. Practising common interview questions and answers also helps to clarify responses and build confidence. Rehearsing with a friend or in front of a mirror can make a big difference. Additionally, take a few deep, slow breaths before and during the interview—it’s simple but highly effective in calming nerves and maintaining focus. Finally, approach the interview as a two-way conversation. Remember, you’re also evaluating whether the company is a good fit. This perspective can ease the pressure, making the conversation feel more balanced. Good luck, and stay confident—you’ve got this! 💪 #InterviewTips #CareerAdvice

The Power of a Great Interview Question Here is the one question we would recommend every candidate ask: “A year from now, what does success (and failure) look like?” Why? Because this single question: ✅Provides insight on company culture around work ethic ✅ Forces clarity on expectations ✅ Opens up honest dialogue about performance metrics ✅ Aligns both sides on accountability from day one It transforms the conversation from “filling a role” to “building long-term success.” What is your go to interview questions (either as an interviewer or as an interviewee) to gain some clarity during the process?

Nervous about an interview? You’re not alone. Interviews can feel intimidating, but the secret to confidence is always preparation. A little effort beforehand can make a huge difference in how you come across. Here are three quick and easy but powerful steps: 👉 Research the company’s latest news – knowing their recent wins, challenges, or projects shows genuine interest and helps you tailor your answers. 👉 Prepare 3 thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer – this demonstrates curiosity and enthusiasm while giving you insight into whether the role is truly right for you. 👉 Practise your ‘tell me about yourself’ answer – it’s often the first question, and nailing it sets the tone for the whole interview. Keep it clear, professional, and relevant to the role. 💡 Remember: confidence doesn’t mean you won’t feel nervous. It means you’ll be ready to handle the nerves because you’ve put in the prep. Confidence = preparation. #interviewtips #careergrowth #jobseekers #interviewadvice #recruitment #recruitmentagency

It’s not your first answer that makes or breaks an interview. It’s what happens two questions later. In interviews, your first answer shows what you know. But the follow-up questions? 👉 That’s where interviewers test how you think on your feet. 👉 That’s where they check if your knowledge runs deep or just skims the surface. 👉 That’s where your curiosity, problem-solving, and ability to adapt shine. Many candidates get nervous when asked a “but what if…” or “how would you handle…” type of question. Instead of seeing it as a trap, view it as an opportunity to: 🔹 Showcase structured thinking 🔹 Demonstrate adaptability 🔹 Build a genuine conversation rather than a Q&A session Here are some ways to help you prepare for those questions: 1️⃣ After writing down your “first answer,” ask yourself: What would the interviewer challenge me on? 2️⃣ Practice the “why” and “how” behind every bullet on your resume. 3️⃣ Use frameworks (STAR, Metrics-driven, Trade-off lens) to structure deeper responses. 4️⃣ Pause before answering, clarity beats speed. Remember that the first answer shows confidence, The follow-up answers show competence. What’s the toughest follow-up question you’ve ever been asked? Share it in the comments 👇 #InterviewPreparation #CareerGrowth #JobSearchTips #Hiring #ProductManagement