01
Treat it as a mutual decision
An interview is a chance to demonstrate your contribution and understand whether the role is right for you. Thoughtful questions help you do both.
02
Ask about the work ahead
Ask what the team most needs the new hire to accomplish in the first six months. Follow up by asking what has made that work difficult so far. This moves the discussion from a job description to the actual challenge.
03
Understand how the team operates
Explore how the team works. Ask how priorities are set, how feedback is shared, and what happens when two important projects compete for attention.
Make the process clear enough for people to participate with confidence.
04
Make your contribution specific
When discussing your experience, use a specific example and explain your own contribution. It is fine to describe what you learned from an approach that did not work, provided you can reflect honestly on the outcome.
05
Leave with clear next steps
Before the conversation ends, confirm the next steps and the expected timeline. Afterwards, write down what you learned while it is fresh, including any questions that remain unanswered.
PUT IT INTO PRACTICE
Prepare three questions that matter to you
Choose one question about outcomes, one about the way the team works, and one about support. Ask a follow-up when an answer remains broad. The aim is to understand the conditions in which you would be doing the work.