Be interesting. Ask these questions in your next interview.

I’m going to start with the classic phrase — there are two types of people.

1. Those who are interested in the job vacancy and come prepared with questions.
2. Those who just want a job, no matter what the job is.

When I interview candidates, my favourite part is actually hearing what types of questions you have about the role — this is often very insightful into what matters to you and paints a picture of how well you’ve thought about your fit in the role. Conversely, showing up to an interview with no questions prepped will almost always guarantee you won’t land the role — don’t be person #2.

I’ve interviewed designers, BAs, developers and delivery managers, here are some of the best questions I’ve heard & ones I like to ask.

These questions work both ways, so whether you’re interviewing or being interviewed — add these to your tool belt next time for a spicier conversation!

Questions to ask if you’re feeling confident

1. What’s your Uber rating?
   This can help you gauge whether the candidate/interviewer is an a**hole or not. Uber bans riders who have low ratings (though unconfirmed what the tip off point is) and drivers are required to maintain a 4.6 rating over their last 100 trips. You’ll have to figure out what threshold triggers alarm bells for you — this can help you make sure you have a team who are respectful.
2. What on your resume is the closest thing to a lie? / What on this job description is the closest thing to a lie?
   I’ve never had a candidate say ‘nothing’ when I’ve asked about their resume. Often this question gets lots of laughs and candidates enjoy the opportunity to show some vulnerability. We all like to sell ourselves & ensure we present in the best light, but often what makes someone more interesting is the vulnerabilities they possess. I’ve never been asked about the job description — can’t wait for this one to come up!
3. What’s an assumption people make of you that you think is wrong?
   Continuing on the theme of vulnerability, this is a re-vamped question of ‘what are your weaknesses?’. However, rather than being self critical, this question can help expose how self aware someone is and may even expose some of your biases if you’ve judged them and they nail you for it.

Safer questions to ask if you’re building rapport

1. How would your peers/team describe you?
   It’s easier to talk about weaknesses or strengths when it’s something that you’ve heard someone else say. All good managers seek and should have feedback from their team so you should expect them to be more forthright with answering this question if you’re asking the interviewer.
2. What are you learning at the moment?
   I love this question as it helps me gauge whether someone is self driven and will take control of their own development. You can narrow this question down to the specific field you’re hiring for, but I like to leave it open. Candidates will usually say something like “in life…or in [insert discipline being hired]?” to which I’ll usually answer — both!
3. What new habit or belief have you picked up in the last couple of years?
   I stole this question from Tim Ferris’ book Tribe of Mentors.
   This question is actually quite difficult to answer as it’s easy to accept status quo, get swept up in life and become more fixed in our ways. People who can think of an answer tend to have more of a growth mindset and are more resilient to change.

What weird and wonderful questions have you been asked or like asking? I’d love to hear it — leave me a comment below!

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