3 Questions to End an Interview and Land the Job

It’s crucial to use the closing moments of an interview strategically, cementing your competitive edge in the minds of the hiring managers. In this post, we’ll explore 3 questions designed to strengthen your candidacy and reveal insider insights into company culture. These questions set you up for success by proactively addressing potential concerns, showcasing your engagement, and underscoring strategic alignment.

1. What is one thing that’s key to being successful in this company that somebody from outside the company wouldn’t know?

This question isn’t just a way to glean crucial insights into the organization’s inner workings; it also underscores your proactive approach to integration and value creation. Demonstrating a genuine interest in understanding the company’s unique success factors can set you apart as someone dedicated to making an immediate impact. By showcasing your curiosity and dedication, you convey a strong sense of engagement, signaling to the hiring team that you’re committed to understanding the nuances of the organization.

2. How would you describe the company culture, and if you could change one thing about the culture, what would it be?

Delving into the company’s culture showcases your interest in aligning with its values and highlights your adaptability. This question signals your cultural sensitivity and readiness for organizational commitment, two traits that are highly sought after by many forward-thinking companies. By addressing potential cultural changes, you demonstrate a willingness to integrate seamlessly into the company’s existing framework while expressing an openness to adapt to new cultural paradigms. This reflects your ability to collaborate effectively and thrive within a diverse work environment.

3. I’m even more excited now than I was when I applied. Is there anything that I’ve said or haven’t said that makes you think I am not a great fit for the role?

This question should be asked with confidence, not trepidation. This is always the last question that I ask in an interview. Always. To every interviewer. If there has been any miscommunication about what awesome talent you are, this is your chance to put that confusion to rest. By asking this question, you show your self-awareness and invite the interviewer to address any potential concerns directly. This empowers you to provide clarifications and ensure that there are no misconceptions about your qualifications or enthusiasm for the role.

A Note on Cultural Appropriateness

While the right questions can make a big difference at the end of an interview, it’s important to tailor your approach based on cultural norms and geographic considerations. For instance, the hard-hitting questions covered here have shown success in North American contexts but could be off-putting elsewhere. Understanding the values that shape the interview dynamic allows you to craft closing questions that wow rather than raise eyebrows. So do your due diligence beforehand.