Interviewing as a candidate is a skill in itself. It’s not something you do every day, and on average, most people only attend an interview once every couple of years!

It’s so cliché, but those meetings are a two-way street. So, beyond making a good impression on your potential employers, how do you leverage that opportunity to ensure you are setting yourself up for success by considering the role, company, team, and line manager?

It’s all in the questioning! That part of the interview, typically towards the end, where the tables turn and it’s your time to pick the brains of the interviewer.

Here are a few tips we always advise candidates to follow:

Prepare a list of relevant questions and bring them to the interview

These can be pretty standard- team size, company culture, progression and development opportunities. But beyond that, what information will be valuable for you to understand exactly what you are getting into?

Understand the challenges you will face

Every company has its obstacles, and every employer creates roles to overcome those hurdles

Ask, “What are the key challenges I should expect to face in this position?”

This will clarify the purpose of the position and help paint a picture of how you can add value. Maybe you have conquered similar challenges in a previous role and can apply that knowledge to your next move. But also, are you ready to hit those challenges head-on? Do you want to be in an environment where these specific barriers are present?

Inquire about expectations

Ask, “What does a successful first 3 months look like in this role?”

This gives you an understanding of the employer’s expectations and a window into what you need to do for a great introduction to the company. It also helps you determine if the organisation has realistic expectations. Do you need to hit the ground running on the first say or achieve specific targets within a certain period? Do these metrics align with your motivations and career goals?

Address any potential concerns

Ask, “From the discussion we had today, do you have any reservations or concerns about my ability to do this job or fit into the team successfully?” 

This is bold and makes you vulnerable to their true opinion, but it gives you the opportunity to expand on any answers that may have missed the mark or been lacking detail. You could alleviate their concerns by providing further examples of your experience or personality. As a bonus, it might also give you an indication of how you performed and their final decision.

By asking thoughtful questions, you not only demonstrate your genuine interest in the role but also ensure that you gather crucial information to make an informed decision about your potential future with the company.

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