Thought-Provoking Questions To Ask Your Interviewer

Employers take tremendous value in the questions you ask during an interview because they will reveal your level of preparation, engagement, and curiosity for the position. Quit focusing on yourself and how your personal needs will be addressed in the role. Instead, ask stimulating questions to produce a quality conversation that reveals you are invested in the team’s betterment and showcases your unique value.

Captivate your interviewer and position yourself as the ideal candidate by asking these five questions:

“What Efforts Does Your Organization Take To Uphold Its Culture & Values?”

Asking this question shows you take immense value in the company’s work environment and management style. As the candidate, you need to be sure their answer aligns with your most coveted factors and that you can visualize long-term growth. To the employer, it reveals you are not simply looking to jump on the first opportunity thrown your way. Awaiting an opportunity that aligns with your skill-set, core principles, and career aspirations displays yourself as an employee worth pursuing.

“Everyone will tell you that their culture is great, but only examples will prove it.” -Abby Kohut

Does their corporate culture and philosophy prioritize employee happiness and work-life balance? When conflict arises, it is a make-or-break scenario for management to either show authentic leadership or to ensue greater chaos. A poor leader will shut down and pass blame, often leading to a toxic work environment. An admirable leader will set the standard for accountability and turn away from his/her selfish tendencies. Ask your interviewer to share a recent example of when conflict arose and how it got resolved, or create a scenario for them.

“What Goals Do You Have in Mind For Me Within The First Few Months?”

Not all job descriptions are as reliable as the hiring manager or recruiter may claim. Not only should you verify the specific responsibilities, but you should seek to understand the specific goals they have within a 30-60-90 (Learning-Contributing-Leading) day plan. Are the goals realistic and quantifiable, or are they more generalized and open to interpretation? Asking about current projects and objectives within the role shows that you are an achiever, a hard worker, and eager for more responsibility. Additionally, it is your best chance at receiving an ‘inside look’ into a future with the company. 

As the interviewee, you must also be prepared for the scenario of the hiring manager posing this question to you. If you are serious about the job, you can truly set yourself apart by following a similar model in your 30-60-90-day plan. By setting performance goals, learning goals, personal goals, and clear initiatives, you reveal a willingness to work hard and an eagerness to ‘hit the ground running.’ As a result, you will undoubtedly secure competitive advantage as you enter the final interview stages.

“What Do You Like Most About This Company?”

Your interviewer has insight into the company’s strengths, weaknesses, management style, and overall sense of camaraderie. Posing this question naturally gives them the platform to talk about themselves and the topics they know best. They are likely used to hearing this question and know that there is no excuse for a lackluster response. If their response entices you, hitting on key metrics surrounding company values, culture, reputation, and open communication, you can rest assured that no one’s time is being wasted in this process. However, if their answer lacks quality, it is an immediate red flag to your potential job satisfaction and may indicate it is time to move on.

“What New Problems Are You Facing & How Can I Contribute?”

Inquiring on the specifics of other current challenges the company faces (that you have not already addressed) is a great way to start a serious conversation. Your interviewer will not only be able to provide information but share his/her specific opinion as well. Subjecting yourself to the ways your interviewer can see your skill-set being incorporated into their present challenges is a vulnerable proposition but conjointly reveals subtle confidence in your capabilities.

*Pro-Tip* Ask for examples of team chemistry and how the team collaborates daily. Diving into these details will cause your interviewer to picture you as a part of their organization and reveal you as a true team player. 

“Where Do You See Your Company in Five Years?”

Is this company your long-term home? Examining the company’s future provides insight into what makes the company tick. Furthermore, you can uncover whether you would be a fit long-term based on their response. For example, suppose the company reveals no plans to increase in size or expand into new markets. In that case, you have the grounds to fear becoming stagnant in your career. Conversely, suppose their plans to expand into new markets involved shipping you across the country to head up a new branch. In that case, you must be sure that you are open to that prospective scenario.

Asking about the future gives a positive impression to your interviewer because it shows you are thinking about the big picture. In fact, former Goldman Sachs’ Chief of Staff & current Solemates Co-Founder, Becca Brown, revealed to Business Insider that she often wished candidates would ask this question. Brown also stated it was a “great way for candidates to stand out.” Asking this question places stock behind the statement “I see myself here long-term,” because it signifies their answer did not scare you away.

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Five Keys to Starting Strong in Your New Career

From fear and anxiety to excitement, ending your job search is sure to bring a surge of emotions. Within the uneasiness and nerves, you must have the steps in place to get off on the right foot. There are new people to meet, a new environment to adjust to, and new accomplishments to be had. To set you up for success, we pieced together five pivotal steps to take within your first week and month, and how to establish an early model for repeated success:

Your First Week

Make an Enthusiastic Introduction 

While it is typical to not want a bunch of attention drawn to yourself when starting with a new company, failing to introduce yourself to everyone can cause you to blend into the background. If you are not comfortable interjecting yourself in conversations, request your manager to make your first introduction to your peers. From there, you must be prepared to know what you want to say to your new co-workers and how to say it.

If you notice your co-workers are in the middle of a conversation, don’t be the one to interrupt. Timing is critical when you are new to the scene. Direct your focus to the individuals who appear more receptive to what you have to say, and reciprocate that receptiveness in what they have to say. Don’t feel the need to prove yourself to your new team right away; taking on that added pressure places weight on your shoulders that is not yours to bear.

Make A Friend

When starting with a new company, the common temptation is to keep to yourself as not to disrupt the preestablished culture and bonds between employees. This is especially true for introverts who are accustomed to operating in solitude, even as well-tenured employees. However, operating in this mindset will often lay a path for career burnout, feelings of detachment and bring you back to the circumstances that left you unhappy in your previous career. Instead, be intentional in seeking out meaningful and productive conversations with your co-workers.

“People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” – Theodore Roosevelt.

Connecting with your peers early sets the foundation for your workplace relationships and gives them a chance to see who you really are. Make yourself approachable in the office through the efforts of a smile, a friendly ‘hello,’ and a comfortable handshake. Another strategy to building this comradery is by keeping yourself available for lunch or taking the bold step of inviting someone yourself.

Ask Plenty of Questions

Your first week will likely have you full of questions, but that’s to be expected. Gathering information from your peers and management is the best way to get you up to speed. What are the company’s policies on open communication with management? What does a typical itinerary look like for team meetings, and are you encouraged to speak up? What is your management’s preferred method of communication? You are not expected to know it all when you start a new role with a new company; ask the simple questions now before it’s too late.

Bring a pen and notebook with you throughout the week and take notes on everything. Not only will your thorough detail aid you in the future, but it quickly shows your team members you are a highly organized and motivated professional. If you have questions that you feel are not appropriate to ask in your first week, such as addressing your long-term goals or when you are up for a promotion, write them down and bookmark them for a later date.

Your First Month

Visualize Success with Your Manager

In your first month with a new company, it is critical you take the time to sit down with management and clarify your shared expectations. What will your functional relationship look like on a day-to-day or week-to-week basis? Whether it is on your calendar or not, you must always be prepared to discuss company-related topics and provide updates on a new project.

Think back to your interview. Was there a challenge you addressed or a specific need your employer revealed? Did your problem-solving capabilities lead you to stand out among other candidates? Follow up by following through. Seek out further details from your new manager and write up a potential solution. As you learn more about their business mentality and values, you can more effectively attend to the functions that support their objectives.

Develop Good Habits

Get your workspace organized and prepare for a fresh start. This new job is your chance to phase out old habits and regain control of your reputation. Stay diligent in your mindset and consider operating through daily, weekly, and monthly to-do lists. This will allow you to manage your time and finetune your skills effectively.

Are you unaware of the previous bad habits you may have had in your previous role? Now is the time to ask the difficult question to your old colleagues or your friends and family. Getting this answer now is your only chance to remove the potential of your company witnessing the same indiscretions. For example, if you had a reputation for not owning up to your mistakes, or worse, passing the blame, this will have severe consequences in your ability to gain trust and respect from your new colleagues. Practicing accountability takes clear focus, effort, and a commitment to change, but turning your previously negative habit into a strength will be instrumental for your career growth. Don’t overcompensate as to begin over-apologizing for your mistakes; own up to them, apologize, and show the intention to learn from them.

The Model For Repeated Success

  • Understand what led to your success and offer admiration for anyone who helped.
  • Provide positive affirmations to yourself through multiple outlets (voice, text, email, post-it notes).
  • Surround yourself with people who believe in you because they will lead you to believe in yourself.
  • Track your successes through analytics.
  • Understand the ‘why’ behind your’ what.’

Wrap Up

Adjusting to your new job is a gradual process, but taking heed of this model for success will certainly expedite the process. Stress and dysfunction are just around the corner, and they are always ready to consume your career if you let them. Reflect on all the hard work that led you to where you are today, and remember to take things one step at a time.

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Time for a Career Change? Take These 3 Steps to Success

Whether you were recently ‘let go’ or you are simply ready for a new challenge in your career, working towards a new career can be an exciting time. Maybe you’ve lost passion for your work, experienced a change in priorities, or your current job is negatively impacting your mental/physical health. Regardless of what it may be, your happiness is a large part of your success, and forging a new path is your opportunity to pursue new interests and revitalize your career. When the time comes to venture after new goals and job opportunities, you will find that passion and accrued momentum will carry you a long way. No matter where you are at in your career, following these three steps will make your career change a successful one:

“The only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it.” -Steve Jobs.

Identify Your Transferrable Skills

Pinpoint your job search and map out your transferable skills on paper. Your transferable skills refer to your abilities and work experience applied in a new job or industry. Although they are refined throughout your career, these skills are independent of a specific function and firmly established in who you are as a professional. Some key examples you need to showcase to potential employers include Communication Skills, Analytical Skills, Project Management, Leadership Skills, Teamwork, Critical Thinking, and Adaptability. To demonstrate these abilities, the career experts at Northeastern University emphasize that your cover letter should not be a reiteration of your resume but rather a detailed synopsis. The thoughts and time you pour into your cover letter will play a significant role in presenting yourself as the best candidate.

Why is now the time for a new job? Why are you scared to begin a new career? The career experts at The Muse recommend writing out your responses to these two questions and placing them somewhere you will see them every day.

Capitalize on Your Network

Whether through kind words, career advice, or setting up new connections in your industry, you may never discover how close you are to your next career until you enlist in support of others. Through your friends, family, peers, and superiors, you will be surprised at how far they will go to see you succeed. After all, they likely expect the same of you or have experienced similar support in the past. 

“Fear can’t hit a moving target.” – Todd Herman.

Although the pandemic still has a firm grip on specific networking opportunities, there are ways you can meet with your connections or even create new ones. If there are no networking events near you, start searching for networking webinars or educational webinars in your preferred industry where you can make an introduction. Another alternative is to get in touch with your LinkedIn connections and request a phone call or informational interview conducted over Zoom/Skype. People often are willing to help when they are sought after, so take advantage of it. Even if the individual cannot help you directly, they may connect you with someone better suited for your aspirations and open the door to new opportunities.

Take the Bold Leap

Living in the constant fear of change is sabotaging your success by merely doing nothing. Choosing to begin a new career or job can be difficult, but you will have no need to panic if you follow these principles. Trust your gut instinct, and don’t fear making the small, often unavoidable mistakes along the way. Hesitation will derail the progress you’ve made and indicates that you are not holding tight to your vision. 

You may be just a few steps away from transforming your life and finding the success you long for. If you don’t try, you’ll never find out. If you fear the notion of stalling out and hitting a stand-still for your career, set a cap on the number of months you are willing to go or the amount you will spend before you look to change course again. At worst, you will still be rewarded with important life lessons you can hold onto forever. 

Wrap Up

Don’t let go of your inquisitive nature as you venture on this new path. Striving toward new interests and reinventing yourself can be a great feeling. Your appetite for learning and mastering new skills will carry you to success within any company, industry, or position. Don’t fear or hesitate; accompanying change is in your favor.

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