These questions may seem straightforward, but the pressure of the interview can make you eager to leave without delving deeper into the role.
Louise Thompson, known as Leadwithlouise on TikTok, explains why these five questions are crucial for leaving a positive and lasting impression on potential employers.
Louise mentions that the first question is her ‘favorite’.
“If you’re interviewing for a senior role or a leadership position, what does success look like for me in this role? What does good look like? What does outstanding look like?,” she says.
This question helps ensure both you and the employer understand what is expected and helps you decide if the role suits you.
The second question, according to Louise, requires some finesse but is essential for setting expectations.
She said: “Question number two can be quite revealing. You need to ask it in the right way. But basically you want to ask, if it hasn’t already been established, Is this a newly created role, or are you replacing somebody? Could you tell me a little bit more about what you’re looking for in their replacement?”
@leadwithlouise Dont forget that a job interview (particularly at a senior level) is a two way process and exchange. You want to make sure the role is the right fit for you, as well as them making sure you are the right fit for them! Here are 5 questions you can ask in your interview and why they’re important. #career #careercoach #careerconfidence #leadership #leadershipcoaching #careertiktoktips #leadershipdevelopment #careertiktok #coaching #getpromoted #corporatetiktok #leadershiptips #managertoleader #jobinterview #interviewtips
Louise also highlights that question three is useful for understanding how your performance will be assessed, providing clarity before you start the job.
She continued: “Number three ensures that the interviewing panel knows you are focused on getting results and performing at your best. You’re going to ask, How is performance measured here? What does the performance review process look like? And again, what does success look like for me in this role?
“It’s another way of asking that question, but with a bit more detail. You want to go further, you can also then ask, talk to me about the first 90 to 100 days in this role.”
This question might have come up earlier, but it is worth emphasizing, especially if your potential line manager is present.
Louise said: “Question four is the number one thing they are looking for in the successful candidate. It may or may not have come up earlier in the interview, but this is your chance to really nail them on this question, what’s the one thing above all else that you are looking for in your successful hire?”
The last question is a great way to finish on a positive note, potentially building rapport with your interviewers.
This could be beneficial if they are the ones deciding on your hiring.
She explained: “Number five, another revealing question, but it’s kind of wrapped up in a lovely, cozy, warm way of putting it, and it is simply to ask them, What do you love about working here? Tell me a little bit about the company from your perspective and what you enjoy about the culture.”
While these questions don’t guarantee a job offer, they can certainly improve your chances of landing that important contract.