How To Ace Any Interview (Part 2) – Best Questions To Ask Interviewers

Interviews aren’t just about proving you’re the right fit. They’re also your chance to work out whether the company, culture, manager, and career opportunity genuinely align with your goals. The smartest candidates treat interviews like two-way conversations — and asking great questions is how you stand out.

Below are some of the best questions to ask in your next interview, followed by practical preparation tips to help you walk in confident, calm, and fully equipped.

Top Questions to Ask Your Interviewers

1. Why did you join the company? What’s changed since then?

This question invites the interviewer to share their personal experience. Their response reveals culture, career growth, leadership stability, and how the company evolves over time.

2. How did this opportunity come about?

This helps you understand whether the role is newly created, part of team growth, or a backfill due to turnover — all important clues about the work environment.

3. How will you measure my success in the first 3, 6, and 12 months?

Clear expectations = clear success pathway. You’ll learn what matters most and whether your strengths line up with their priorities.

4. What would make someone exceptionally successful in this role?

This reveals the behaviours, habits, and skills that high performers demonstrate — helping you decide if this environment suits your style.

5. What impact would I have on the team if I’m hired?

Great for understanding team dynamics and how your contribution fits into the bigger picture.

6. Can you describe the team culture and management style?

Culture determines whether you thrive or barely survive. This question uncovers communication styles, leadership expectations, and work environment realities.

7. Where is the company heading in the next 1–5 years?

Their strategic direction tells you a lot about stability, innovation, and long-term opportunity.

8. How is the company positioned in the marketplace? What sets you apart from competitors?

You’ll get insights into their strengths, risks, and industry challenges — all important for assessing job security and future growth.

9. What’s an example of a recent technical or client challenge the team faced?

This shows how the company handles pressure, solves problems, and supports its employees during tricky situations.

10. What’s the question you really want to ask me but haven’t yet?

A bold, confident finisher. It encourages honesty, reveals hidden concerns, and shows you’re comfortable handling tough questions.

Asking thoughtful questions demonstrates maturity, preparation, and genuine interest — traits employers absolutely notice.

How To Prepare For Any Interview

You can’t over-prepare for an interview. The more prepared you are, the more confident you’ll feel — and confidence is magnetic. Here’s how to get fully interview-ready.

1. Do Your Homework

Research is your biggest advantage. It shows motivation, professionalism, and strategic thinking.

Company Research Checklist

• What the company does: Know their products, services, clients, and mission.
• Company size and structure: Employees, locations, ownership, growth history.
• Culture and values: Look for themes in their website, socials, and employee reviews.
• The interviewers: Check LinkedIn for their background, role, and interests.
• Recent news: Awards, expansions, restructures, mergers, major announcements.
• Competitors and marketplace: Demonstrating industry knowledge makes you look sharp.

Role Research Checklist

• Identify technical skills, responsibilities, and expectations.
• Highlight anything you’re unfamiliar with — prepare explanations.
• Understand the business problem this role solves.
• Prepare examples that directly show you can solve those problems.

2. Prepare Outstanding Answers

Most interviewers rely on behavioural questions. The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) gives structure and clarity — and helps you avoid rambling.

Always frame answers around:

• What the employer is actually looking for
• The business problems the role is designed to fix
• Your measurable achievements

3. Have Brilliant Questions Ready

Intelligent questions prove you’re engaged and serious about the opportunity. Use your research to craft relevant, meaningful questions that go beyond the basics.

4. Be Ready to Address Weaknesses

If you were invited to interview, they already believe you can do the job — even if you’re missing a “mandatory” requirement. Be ready to confidently explain:

• How you learn quickly
• How you’ve adapted before
• Which transferable skills make up the gap

Use the STAR method to prove you’ve overcome similar challenges successfully.

5. Nail the Basics

Even experienced candidates get caught out by simple things. Prep ahead:

• Clean, professional outfit ready
• Transport and parking planned
• Time off arranged
• Notebook, water, printed resume
• Haircut, grooming, and anything else that boosts confidence

6. Practise Positive Body Language

Non-verbal communication shapes first impressions more than people realise. Practice:

• Good posture
• Warm but professional facial expressions
• Eye contact
• Calm hand movements
• Firm handshake (when appropriate)

If body language doesn’t come naturally, interview coaching can make a huge difference.

Ready to Take Your Interview Skills to the Next Level?

Want expert help preparing for interviews? Download our free ebook “Job Interview Tips: How to Prepare for a Job Interview” and access proven strategies to stand out at every stage.

Need personalised coaching? Our career specialists at CV Writers can help you:

• refine your interview technique
• craft powerful answers
• build confidence under pressure
• understand what hiring managers really look for
• prepare for public service, corporate, and leadership interviews

Your next role is closer than you think — let’s make sure you walk into that interview fully prepared.