Career coach shares the 8 key questions you should be asking to nail a job interview
"Asking good questions doesn't need to be complicated."
Seven questions to help you seal the deal and stay sane.
Job interviews can be stressful, not to mention disempowering. But it’s important to remember that just as much as the employer is trying to determine whether or not you’re a right fit for the company, you are also sussing out if the company is the right fit for your own goals.
Sometimes we really are in a tight spot, where getting some income, any income, is priority #1. But more often than not, we need to think of the big picture when it comes to where we work, lest we get stuck in a situation that doesn’t actually align with our values. Which is why it’s important to spot out any red flags as soon as possible (i.e., the interview).
Luckily, a career coach has made it easier than ever to handle the dreaded “do you have any questions for us?” part of a job interview to not only stand out among other potential employees, but come out feeling confident about who they might be working for.
In a one-minute clip posted on her TikTok account @emrezkalla, Emily Rezkalla of Em Rez Consulting, pretended to be a job candidate at that part of the interview.
In this scenario, Rezkalla’s character wowed her potential employer by asking 8 very smart, very specific questions, rather than simply saying “no.” You can give them a quick look below.
Questions to ask at the end of your job interview
- What’s an example of how you’d like the star candidate to contribute to the company beyond the job responsibilities?
- What’s the biggest challenge the team is facing right now that you want the person in this role to resolve?
- What are some examples of professional development opportunities that you’ve specifically benefited from at the company?
- What kind of support does the company provide for employees looking to take on leadership roles?”
- How would you describe the kinds of relationships the person in this role would have with their team and leadership?
- Based on your experience, how would you describe the people at the company in three words?
- What’s an example of how the company handles high volume/stress work days for their employees?
- What’s a project you recently worked on that has gotten you the most excited so far?
@emrezkalla Asking good questions doesn’t need to be complicated #careeradvice #interviewprep #corporate #interviewtips #jobsearch #edutokcareer #careercoach ♬ original sound - Em The Career Pivot Mentor
Of course, this is just a basic template. Rezkalla encourages applicants to add their own flair, and to be specific in their questions. After all, “vague questions will get you vague answers.” She also notes that you probably want to only ask 1-3 of these, not all 8 in one sitting.
Rezkalla’s video got a lot of traction and praise online.
“I used your questions and they were blown away! I don’t know if I’ll get the job but at least I made it memorable,” one person wrote.
Another echoed, “I used the first one in my big interview today and they loved it.”
Many viewers were inspired to share their own tips.
“My favorite: what is the biggest challenge you face as a manager?” one person wote.
Another added, “I ask questions during the interview so by the end, I don’t have any. But I always ask about the [remaining] hiring process as in wait time for response. Then I go home and send a thank you email.”
Another person shared, “ I type out my questions beforehand and pull them out at the end. That impresses them”
“The question that has gotten most of the candidates I’ve worked with callback: is there anything on my resume or answers during this interview I can clarify for you?” suggested another.
Whether or not you get the job—and whether or not the job will turn out to be what you need in the long run—are not fully in your control. But having some of these hard hitting questions in your back pocket is just one way of reclaiming a bit of your power back, even when trying to sell yourself.