ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS TO ASK IN A JOB INTERVIEW
Last week, I was on a call with a client who shared her fear around searching for a new job. Her current contract role is ending before the end of the year, and she admitted that she’s never really felt fulfilled in any of her positions. One of the main reasons? A pattern of difficult relationships with managers. She wondered if it was just bad luck — but deep down, she was starting to question her own skillset.
She’d often found herself in roles where her manager lacked strong leadership or communication skills, and over time, that chipped away at her confidence. As we dug deeper, we started talking about what her ideal work environment and manager would look like. That’s when a big realization came up: she hadn’t been asking the right questions in interviews.
Like many people, she was so focused on making a good impression that she didn’t think to ask clarifying questions — questions that could have helped her better understand the role, the team dynamics, and the expectations. So, a few months into the job, she’d find herself frustrated, confused, and ultimately unhappy.
Here’s the thing: interviews should be a two-way conversation. Yes, the company is evaluating whether you’re the right fit — but you’re also evaluating whether they are the right fit for you.
So with that in mind, I want to share a few powerful questions you can bring into your next interview. These are designed to help you get a better sense of the role, the manager, and the organization — and hopefully, avoid misalignment later on. (Tip: I like to keep a running list in my Notes app so I can quickly reference it before an interview or add new questions as they come to mind.)
Here are a few to consider:
Why is this position open? Why did the previous person leave, and how long were they in the role?
How will success be measured in this position? Are there clear goals or metrics in place?
What challenges might someone face in this role, and what support or resources are available to navigate them?
What is the management style of the person I’d be reporting to?
What are some unexpected skills or qualities that have proven to be helpful in this role?
Asking thoughtful questions not only gives you valuable insight — it also shows that you’re intentional, self-aware, and thinking long-term.
Good luck — and remember, you're interviewing them, too.