The 5 best and most impactful interview questions to ask to stand out in an interview.

Drake Editorial

Many job candidates prepare so extensively for an interview that they forget to come up with questions of their own.

Employers are impressed with candidates that ask impactful questions at the end of an interview. This shows the candidate is genuinely interested in the role and wants to find out more about the opportunity. In addition to knowing about the company itself, you should also be aware of what working there could mean for your career. In a “candidate driven market” it is equally important that candidates are able to determine: "What's in it for me?"

Set yourself up for success by asking these 5 questions at the end of your interview!  

1. What are your expectations of a staff member in this position?

A job ad online can often leave essential requirements out and may include more key information that generates interest and encourages candidates to apply. The company's job description may also not reflect the current requirements of the role. By asking what is expected of a team member in this position, you can learn more about the essential requirements and what it takes to succeed.

2. What is a typical day or week like for someone in this position?

This is a great follow-up question, because it will help you learn more about the day-to-day responsibilities of this role.

A Hiring Manager will usually be able to explain what the basic schedule or structure looks like in a day and provide general information about projects or tasks. Remember that a company's clients and projects are confidential, so you should focus more on getting information about the workplace atmosphere and team you will be working with.

3. How would you describe the company culture, and what do you enjoy about working here?

This is such an important question for candidates to ask in an interview! If a Hiring Manager can describe what they enjoy most about working for the company, this will give you an idea of whether there is a positive and thriving culture among employees.

You can also ask if the company organises regular work events or has initiatives that aim to bring staff together. Companies with a positive working culture will want prospective employees to know about this, so they are likely to promote it in an interview situation.

4. What kind of opportunities does the company offer for career growth and personal development?

Asking about career progression and opportunities for learning and development shows the Hiring Manager that you’re passionate about your career. It also shows that you’re committed to the company, and willing to go above and beyond in order to prove your worth.

You also want to know whether there will be opportunities available within the company for you to continue developing professionally.

5. What are the next steps in the job process?

This question demonstrates your interest in the position and gives you an idea about what is required next, such as a timeline for when to expect feedback or additional information. It’s also a good question for candidates to ask, so that they can gauge when it’s appropriate to follow up with the Hiring Manager.

General Tips and Reminders:

These questions can be tailored to suit the job or company you are interviewing with and will make a great impression on your interviewer. Here are some other tips to keep in mind when preparing for your next interview:

Prepare and research:

Research the company, the job, and market before attending the interview so that you are well prepared and can avoid asking questions that are answered on the company’s website.  Making sure you are asking good questions can help ensure that the time you spend with a potential employer is well spent.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions:

Remember that the interview process is a two-way street. You should be asking questions just as much as the hiring manager so you can learn more about the role, company culture and benefits of working there.