Ask Smart Questions, Land More Offers

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Before we begin: thank you to those who reached out earlier this week. For those who don’t know, I suffered a pretty bad injury that will keep me sidelined from doing anything active for a bit. I’ll do my best to remain active on X and keep these newsletters going for you guys.

Interviews aren’t interrogations—they’re conversations.

And as a tech professional, you hold more power than you think. Companies aren’t just looking for someone to fill a seat; they’re looking for someone who solves problems, thinks critically, and elevates their team.

As a recruiter, I’ve screened thousands of candidates the past 10 years. And let me tell you, the bar is set extremely low when asking questions. Candidates either don’t have any or ask something super generic like “tell me about the day to day” that doesn’t impress the hiring team at all.

Here’s the example I always like to use when it comes to asking questions during interviews:

Let’s take a time machine all the way back to grade school. I’m sure you remember you remember that one kid that was the teacher’s pet. At least for me, I always thought they were super annoying (then again, I did terribly in school 😂).

But now as a recruiter, I completely understand why they were favored by our teachers.

Because by asking questions, you thoughtfully engage with the teacher, you show interest, and shows you’ve paid attention.

The teacher likely put a lot of work into that lesson, and it makes their day when someone asks questions wanting to learn more.

Mind blowing, right? Same concept when asking questions during the interview process.

When you ask questions, you:

1. Take Control of the Narrative
   Think of the interview as a chess game. When it’s your turn to ask questions, you shift the focus away from “Why should we hire you?” and onto “Why should I work here?” This isn’t arrogance—it’s strategy. You’re turning it into a conversation instead of an interrogation. Great questions show that you value alignment over desperation.

2. Demonstrate Intellectual Curiosity
   Want to stand out? Stop thinking like a job seeker and start thinking like a partner. Employers don’t just want someone who can code or debug—they want someone who’s genuinely curious about how their work impacts the bigger picture. Your questions are your chance to flex this muscle.

3. Uncover Red Flags
   Let’s be real: not every job is as shiny as it looks. Some roles come with toxic leadership, impossible expectations, or a lack of resources. Smart questions help you spot potential issues early so you don’t waste time walking into a bad situation. The last thing you want to do is waste all this time interviewing, ask zero questions, only to accept and join the company and experience the same exact pain points from your previous gig.

4. Set the Tone for Your Future Role
   The questions you ask signal how you think. Are you detail-oriented? Strategic? Focused on impact? These cues shape how the hiring manager views you—and whether they see you as the person they want on their team.

How Asking Questions Gives You a Competitive Edge

Most candidates don’t realize the power of this moment. They either rush through it or treat it like an afterthought.

Big mistake.

When you ask thoughtful questions, you separate yourself from the pack in three key ways:

1. You Show Confidence
   Asking questions proves you’re not just there to please—you’re there to evaluate. Confidence is magnetic, and hiring managers are drawn to candidates who act like they’re interviewing them, too.

2. You Prove You’re Invested
   You know what stands out? Someone who actually cares about the role and the company. Asking deep, meaningful questions about the challenges, goals, and culture shows you’re not just hunting for a paycheck—you’re looking for a place where you can make a real impact.

3. You Leave a Lasting Impression
   People remember how you make them feel, and good questions create great conversations. When you ask questions that challenge their thinking or make them excited to discuss the role, you become unforgettable.

Here’s a secret: hiring managers aren’t just assessing your skills. They’re assessing what it’ll be like to work with you. Be the person who brings energy, curiosity, and insight into the room.

What Makes a Great Question?

Not all questions are created equal. Here’s a quick framework to make sure your questions hit the mark:

1. They’re Specific
   Generic questions like, “What’s the team culture like?” won’t cut it. Aim for depth. For example: “Can you share an example of how the team has collaborated to solve a challenging problem recently?”

2. They Focus on Impact
   Employers care about results. Frame your questions around how you can help the team achieve its goals, not just what you’ll get from the role.

3. They Encourage Reflection
   The best questions make the interviewer pause and think. These kinds of questions position you as someone who’s not afraid to engage in meaningful dialogue.

5 Questions That’ll Instantly Elevate You

Need a cheat sheet? Here are five questions you can take into your next interview:

1. “What’s the biggest challenge facing the team right now, and how could I help solve it?”
   Why it works: This shows you’re already thinking about how to add value. It’s proactive, solution-oriented, and positions you as a team player.

2. “What metrics define success for this role, both in the first 90 days and long term?”
   Why it works: Employers love candidates who care about measurable impact. This question tells them you’re results-driven and ready to hit the ground running.

3. “How does this role contribute to the company’s larger mission and goals?”
   Why it works: Big-picture thinkers stand out. This question shows you care about alignment and aren’t just focused on your immediate responsibilities.

4. “What’s traits & habits do your top performers have, and what separates them from everyone else?”
   Why it works: This question shows exactly what they’re looking for in their next star-hire.

5. “What can you tell me about the role/org/company that I wouldn’t be able to find online??”
   Why it works: It forces them to give a truly genuine, unscripted answer, which is perfect for weeding out toxic employers.

What Happens When You Don’t Ask Questions

Let’s flip the script for a second. Imagine you get to the end of the interview, and when they ask if you have questions, you say, “Nope, I think we’ve covered everything.”

What does that say about you?

• You’re passive.

• You’re not curious.

• You’re not thinking critically about the role.

In other words, you’ve just made it harder for the interviewer to see you as someone who’s going to bring energy and innovation to their team. Don’t let that happen.

How to Prepare for Your Next Interview

Here’s a simple three-step process to make sure you’re ready to crush your next interview:

1. Research the Company
   Dive into their mission, socials, recent news, and key projects. Perplexity is perfect fort his. The more you know, the more tailored your questions can be.

2. Study the Job Description
   Look for clues about what the team needs. Are they launching something new? Solving a complex problem? Use these insights to frame your questions.

3. Write Down Your Questions
   Don’t rely on your memory—write them down. Walking into the interview with a list of thoughtful questions shows you’re prepared and serious about the opportunity.

The Long-Term Benefits of Asking Great Questions

Here’s the thing: the impact of asking great questions doesn’t end after the interview.

When you take the time to dig deeper, you:

• Build Better Relationships: Hiring managers remember candidates who engage them in meaningful conversations.

• Set the Stage for Success: By asking about challenges, metrics, and goals, you walk into the role with clarity on how to succeed.

• Create Career Momentum: The more intentional you are about choosing roles, the faster you’ll build a career you love.

Remember: every interview is a two-way street. It’s not just about them picking you—it’s about you picking them.

Final Thoughts

Tech interviews aren’t just a test of your skills—they’re a test of your strategy. When you ask thoughtful, strategic questions, you show up as more than a candidate. You show up as a potential teammate, leader, and problem-solver.

So next time you’re in the hot seat, don’t settle for mediocrity. Use your questions to stand out, gather intel, and position yourself for success.

And remember: the best opportunities aren’t just offered—they’re earned through intentional, strategic action.

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