Interviewing the Interviewer: Mastering the Art of Asking Questions
Congrats! You’ve made it to the next round of interviews. After surviving the initial screener—where you tried to read the vibe while proving you’re not a bot—it’s time for the real deal: a conversation with your potential hiring manager.
This is your chance to go beyond just proving you’re qualified. Now, you’re talking to someone who actually understands the role, the day-to-day, and what it takes to thrive. That means it’s time to flip the script.
An interview isn’t just about them evaluating you—it’s about you evaluating them. You’re not just looking for any job; you’re looking for the right job. A place where you feel valued, aligned with the company’s mission, and actually enjoy showing up (virtually or otherwise). But hey, if you are just looking for a paycheck, no judgment—either way, asking the right questions can help you stand out and make a lasting impression.
The Power of Asking Thoughtful, Open-Ended Questions
Why are questions so important? Simple—people love talking about themselves. It’s human nature. While an interview is your chance to showcase your skills, values, and strengths, it’s also a subtle social dance where the hiring manager is deciding if they like you and whether you’d mesh with the team.
Think about it like dating. Ever been on a date where the other person never asked you anything? Brutal, right? Even if they checked all your boxes, the lack of engagement was a turnoff. The same applies here. If you want a job that’s more than just a paycheck (and even if you are just after the paycheck), showing genuine interest in the person across from you can go a long way.
That said, sometimes the interviewer already has a favorite candidate. Sometimes your energy just doesn’t click with theirs. That’s fine—move on. You can’t control everything, but you can control how you show up.
So, before your interview, curate a list of questions that reflect your values, interests, and non-negotiables. Then, instead of waiting for the dreaded “Do you have any questions?” moment, weave them naturally into the conversation. This shifts the dynamic from a stiff Q&A session to a real dialogue. Interviews feel transactional. Conversations feel human.
✅ Pro Tip: While having a list of prepared questions is key, don’t just rattle them off. Stay engaged, listen actively, and ask follow-ups that flow with the discussion. This showcases your soft skills—insight, adaptability, and strong communication—all of which hiring managers value. Your goal? Make their job easier and more enjoyable. Do that, and you’ll not only stand out—you’ll leave a lasting impression.
Ball in Their Court: Follow Up Your Answers
As I mentioned earlier, weaving in questions throughout your interview helps shift the dynamic from an interrogation to a real conversation. One of the best ways to do this? Follow up your answers with a thoughtful question. I call this putting the ball in their court.
There’s a lot of psychology behind this. By asking a question right after you’ve answered one, you subtly guide the conversation in a direction that matters to you. This doesn’t mean hijacking the interview, but it does mean steering the dialogue in a way that highlights your priorities.
Of course, there are limits. Some hiring managers have a strict list of questions they have to get through, and in those cases, you may not have as much control. Others might be reserved, giving you little to work with. But even with colder interviewers, you can still gain valuable insight. Asking the right questions can reveal team dynamics, the real reason they’re hiring, or even challenges like budget concerns or recent layoffs.
The key? Avoid yes/no questions. Instead, ask open-ended ones that encourage them to share. If the hiring manager ends up talking for most of the interview—guess what? You did a great job. They’ll walk away feeling good about the conversation (and you), even though they did most of the talking.
The best interviews feel like a game of pickleball. Each person gets a chance to hit the ball, react, and keep the rally going. It’s not about spiking the ball and ending the game—it’s about keeping the energy light and engaging. If an interview feels like pulling teeth, it might just be their personality—but it could also be a red flag that there’s a misalignment in values or culture. Pay attention.
The Question You Should Always Ask: “What Are the Next Steps?”
One of the most valuable questions you can ask in any interview is: “What are the next steps in your hiring process?”
Why? Because it does three things:
Shows interest – You’re signaling that you’re engaged and serious about the role.
Gives you a timeline – Knowing when to expect updates helps you manage expectations and follow-ups.
Creates leverage – If they express strong interest in you, that information can be useful—especially if you have other interviews or offers in play.
But this question also serves another purpose: decoding rejection. If they give you a vague, noncommittal answer (e.g., “We’ll be in touch” or “We’re still figuring things out”), that’s often a sign they’re not moving forward. On the other hand, if they say they plan to schedule final interviews by the end of the week, you know exactly when to follow up. If that deadline passes and you get radio silence? You’ve likely been ghosted—move on.
At the end of the day, you need to prioritize yourself. If a company doesn’t respect the timelines they set, that’s a red flag. You can (and should) hold them accountable—professionally. A simple follow-up referencing their stated timeline puts the ball in their court. If they don’t respond, take it as a sign and keep moving forward.
And if a company’s hiring process is particularly frustrating? Feel free to leave a Glassdoor review to help others. Then shift your focus to the next opportunity—because the right one will come.
Final Thoughts: Interviewing Is a Skill
Interviewing is a skill—one that many people don’t actively develop. The key to mastering it? Shift your mindset. An interview isn’t an interrogation; it’s a conversation.
Here’s the reality: if you’ve made it this far, they already like you. Now, they’re just looking for reasons to move you forward. Make it easy for them. Stand out by asking thoughtful, open-ended questions that show you’re more than just a resume—you’re an individual with ideas, perspectives, and curiosity.
At the end of the day, the right job isn’t just about a paycheck. It’s about fit. So take control of the conversation, show up as your best self, and make them see why you belong in the role.
