Career coaches insist that these are the most effective questions to pose during your interviews.

      Let’s be honest, job interviews are among the most stressful experiences we encounter. You are bombarded with questions that you’re expected to be fully prepared for, but it's hard to truly be ready. Once you reach the follow-up interview, the stress doesn’t diminish. It's easy to forget that an interview should not be just a one-sided Q&A; you're not the only one being assessed; it's also a chance for you to evaluate the company you could be joining! By asking questions during the interview, you can gather the information you genuinely want, such as what the work environment is really like or whether you would enjoy working with your potential coworkers. Additionally, it demonstrates that you are curious, considerate, and genuinely interested in the position, which can help differentiate you from other candidates.

      I consulted Amanda Augustine, a Certified Professional Career Coach and expert at resume.io, about questions she recommends for interviews that go beyond the basic “Do you enjoy working here?” discussions. Below, I present five key questions to pose in your next job interview to help you make a mark and determine if the role is suitable for you.

      MEET THE EXPERT

      Amanda Augustine, Certified Professional Career Coach

      Amanda Augustine is a recognized authority in career progression, focusing on enhancing one's professional brand and succeeding in interviews. As a Certified Professional Career Coach (CPCC) and a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW), she has dedicated over 20 years to assisting professionals in advancing their careers and finding the right job more swiftly.

      1. “What types of people tend to succeed here, and what types have faced challenges or departed?”

      Rather than the common “we’re like a family” cliché often used to describe company culture, this question delves deeper, providing genuine insight into the organization’s values and expectations. It can also reveal potential concerns, such as high turnover rates or vague expectations. For instance, if they readily provide several examples of employees who struggled, that could be a warning sign. “Pay attention to how they define success and failure—it can indicate whether the work environment will suit you,” Augustine advises. This question helps clarify what it takes to excel in that particular setting and whether it aligns with your own abilities and strengths.

      2. “What challenges is the team likely to encounter in the next six to twelve months?”

      If an interviewer is straightforward about their team’s challenges, it reflects that openness and honesty are integral to the company culture. Augustine notes, “Their response also reveals how the company navigates change and whether they equip employees to face difficulties proactively.” For example, if they anticipate that new software might hamper productivity but have training planned to address this, that's a positive sign. Conversely, without a strategy to address obstacles, you might find yourself in a workplace where everyone is left to fend for themselves. Furthermore, identifying these challenges allows you to present your skills and experiences as potential solutions, positioning you as a capable and prepared candidate.

      3. “If you could change one aspect of the current work environment or culture, what would it be and why?”

      It can be daunting to inquire about the work environment, especially regarding areas that need improvement. However, framing it this way removes any negative implications while still encouraging the interviewer to be forthcoming. Augustine mentions that their response “can uncover organizational shortcomings or growing pains not highlighted on the careers page.” Don’t forget to ask the “why” part of the question—it allows the interviewer to clarify potential issues, providing you with deeper insight into the company.

      4. “Is there anything about my qualifications or this discussion that makes you hesitant to proceed with my candidacy?”

      I understand if this question seems intimidating. However, Augustine points out that asking this can showcase your confidence and eagerness for growth. This type of question opens the floor for feedback and enables you to clarify any misunderstandings, address concerns, or reaffirm your suitability for the position. Even if they express no doubts, this will leave a lasting impression on the interviewer. Additionally, if you don’t get the job, you will receive constructive feedback for your next interviews.

      5. “How would you summarize the company culture in three words—and could you provide an example of how those values are reflected in daily work?”

      Describing the culture in brief terms is one thing, but can they substantiate it with real-life examples? Augustine notes that this question “encourages the interviewer to go beyond buzzwords and share concrete examples of the working environment.” The follow-up question helps you assess whether the culture genuinely aligns with those descriptors or if it’s merely an idealized notion (living in denial is a definite red flag). The interviewer’s answer offers better insight into what daily life might entail on the team, aiding you in determining whether you would thrive in that atmosphere.

      ABOUT THE AUTHOR

      Jenna Piotrowicz, Editorial Assistant

      Jenna began her role as an Editorial Assistant for The Everygirl in 2024. With a keen eye for detail, she supports the team in content creation,