Thoughtful Questions Matter
A successful interview should feel like a two-way conversation. While candidates often focus on how they respond to questions, the questions they ask are just as important. Thoughtful, strategic questions show preparation, curiosity, and genuine interest in the role and company. They also leave a lasting impression and help you determine whether the opportunity is truly the right fit.
In this video, Co-founder Michael Breslin, Senior Associate on our Accounting & Finance team Emma McGrath, Managing Director of our Corporate Services team Zoie Teytelbaum, and Head of Talent & Employee Experience Taylor Seabrook share four types of questions that leave a lasting impression on interviewers. Drawing from four different Landing Point teams, they highlight questions that are effective in any industry.
Key Takeaways
1. Ask about attributes for success
Example: “What’s an attribute that will help someone succeed in this role?”
- Use your background to demonstrate how you embody that attribute, whether it’s resourcefulness, attention to detail, or adaptability.
2. Ask about tools and resources
Example: “What resources or training tools does the firm provide to help me succeed?”
- Shows forward thinking, commitment to growth, and interest in thriving in the position.
3. Ask about the business and recent developments
Do your research online. Refer to recent deals, mergers, or news.
Example: “I saw your team recently entered into XYZ merger; can you share more about that?”
- Demonstrates preparation, due diligence, and genuine interest.
4. Ask about team dynamics and opportunities to contribute
Example: “Where are the current gaps on the team, and how could someone in this role help fill them?”
- Highlights your proactive thinking and interest in contributing to team success.
How Thoughtful Questions Boost Your Candidacy
The questions you ask in an interview say just as much about you as your answers. Here’s why these four types are impactful:
- Showcase preparation: Asking informed questions about the company or team demonstrates that you’ve researched the firm and understand their core values.
- Demonstrate forward thinking: Questions about tools, resources, or onboarding reflect your seriousness and desire to be successful from day one.
- Highlight fit and values alignment: Inquiring about attributes for success or team dynamics allows you to understand company culture and determine if it aligns with your work style.
- Signal engagement and curiosity: Thoughtful questions create a two-way conversation and help establish rapport with interviewers.
At Landing Point, our experienced recruiters help you not only answer interview questions confidently but can help you prepare strategic questions to ask that leave a lasting impression.
Related reading from our Newsroom: Tips for Tackling 4 Difficult Interview Questions with Confidence
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Transcript
Featuring Michael Breslin, Taylor Seabrook, Emma McGrath, and Zoie Teytelbaum:
“What’s an attribute that will help you be successful in this role?” I feel like it’s a great opportunity for you to then take your background and apply it to that attribute and prove, whether it’s resourcefulness or detail-oriented, you get to really zone in on exactly what they’re looking for and how you’ve proven to be that person in the past.
“What tools or resources does the firm offer that will make me successful in my role?” I think everybody asks about the culture, everybody asks about what makes this place great. And hopefully, if the interview process is authentic and is done right, you will get a very consistent read on the culture as you meet with people.
When you ask an interviewer, “What are the resources you have here or the training tools? What do the first 90 days look like?” I think it shows a sense of forward thinking. It shows a sense of seriousness that you’re interested in the position and it really will give you clarity on if this place going to help you grow and will you be successful there?
Ask about the business. Do your research. Go on the Internet, google the firm. See if they have any new exciting deals. You probably can find a lot online. Bring that up. “Hey, I saw you entered into XYZ merger. Or you acquired this, I thought that was really interesting. Can you tell me more about it?” It shows that you have done your due diligence.
That gets you brownie points. Things like understanding the working dynamic on a team and where the gaps are currently. They can come in and fill those with “I do this currently and this is what I’m looking for next.”