3 Game-Changing Questions to Ask in Your Next Job Interview
After 20 years as a career coach helping thousands of professionals land their dream jobs each month, I've learned that what often separates good candidates from great ones isn't just their experience—it's the questions they ask during the interview. Today, I'm sharing three powerful questions that will make you stand out and show hiring managers you're the must-have candidate they've been searching for.
Understanding the Hiring Manager's Psychology
Here's something crucial you need to know: by the time you make it to the interview, the hiring manager has already determined that you have the basic qualifications for the role. What they're really trying to figure out is whether you'll provide a strong return on investment (ROI). Companies typically need employees to deliver value worth 130-140% of their salary to account for overhead costs, taxes, and other expenses. That's why the following questions are so powerful—they demonstrate that you understand this ROI mindset and are already thinking about how to deliver that value. When you ask these questions, you're essentially telling the hiring manager, "I get it, and here's how I'm going to make sure you see a return on your investment in me."
Question #1: "What Keeps You Up at Night?"
This question is pure gold because it immediately shows you understand your fundamental role: making the hiring manager's life easier. Frame it like this:
"What keeps you up at night, or what would you want to see the person in this role do to make your work easier? Obviously, my job would be to take things off your plate and ease the burden so you can focus more on your managerial responsibilities."
This question demonstrates that you're solution-oriented and understand that your success is directly tied to your manager's success.
Question #2: The ROI Deep-Dive
Here's where you show you understand business fundamentals:
"I know my job is to save or make enough money to justify the cost of hiring me. When you think about this position, what is the most important aspect that justifies the cost of hiring someone? I have my thoughts, but I'd love to hear your perspective as the hiring manager."
This question is powerful because it shows you're thinking like a business owner, not just an employee. It also gives you valuable insight into how your role directly impacts the company's success.
Question #3: The Strategic Success Story
This is my favorite—and slightly sneaky—question:
"Could you tell me about someone you hired who really knocked it out of the park in their first 90 days? What specific things did they do that convinced you they were the right hire?"
This question is great for two reasons. First, it gives you a crystal-clear roadmap for success in your first three months. Second, it often reveals what the hiring manager truly values, which might be different from what they've been saying throughout the interview. For example, if they've been emphasizing work-life balance but then rave about someone who worked 60-hour weeks, that tells you something important about the real expectations.
Why These Questions Work Every Time
These three questions work together to create a powerful message to the hiring manager. By asking about their pain points, you show you're focused on solving problems from day one. By discussing ROI, you demonstrate that you understand the business side of your role. And by learning about their star performers, you get insider knowledge about what truly leads to success in their organization.
Together, these questions tell the hiring manager: "I understand that my job is to save or make enough money to justify hiring me. I'm here to solve problems, alleviate pain points, and deliver results just like your best hires have done before. I'm not just looking for a job—I'm looking to be your next top performer."
This strategic approach to asking questions sets you apart from other candidates who typically ask about vacation policies or basic job duties. You're showing up as a business partner who's already thinking about delivering value.
Need More Interview Help?
If you're looking for more ways to stand out in your next interview, head over to our Free Resource Center. You'll find valuable tips, strategies, and resources to help you prepare. And don't forget to tune into my live podcast three times a week, where I answer all your career questions in real time!
Remember, your questions in an interview are just as important as your answers. Use these three strategic questions to demonstrate your value and show hiring managers you're the solution they've been searching for.
Go get ‘em!
J.T. O’Donnell
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