Interview the interviewer: Question-based Interviewing
- Dan Counts, SPCC
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
In today’s competitive job market, the interview process is where top candidates truly set themselves apart. Hiring managers aren’t just looking for impressive résumés—they’re assessing how well a candidate communicates, problem-solves, and aligns with the company culture. The real question they’re asking themselves is: What makes this candidate stand out?
Standing out in an interview is not just about experience—it’s also about demonstrating how you think, communicate, and approach challenges. While most candidates spend their time perfecting answers to common interview questions, the most successful job seekers take it a step further by interviewing the interviewer and asking thoughtful, strategic questions that shift the conversation in their favor.
That’s where question-based interviewing can be a fantastic tool. In this article, you’ll learn how to identify when question-based interviewing is the right tool to use (and when it’s not), why it works, how to structure your questions to make the most of your interview, and how to practice interviewing your interviewer during mock interviews.
Why question-based interviewing works
Rather than simply responding to inquiries, candidates should proactively guide the discussion with questions that showcase their ability to think critically about the role and company.
With question-based interviewing, the underlying message to the interviewer is clear: This candidate understands our needs and has the right experience to solve our challenges.
Why? Because they’re asking insightful questions that demonstrate firsthand knowledge of the issues our business faces.
These questions serve multiple purposes. First, they demonstrate that the candidate is thinking beyond just landing a job—they are considering how they can add value to the organization. Second, they provide insight into the employer’s expectations, allowing the candidate to tailor their responses and highlight the most relevant aspects of their experience. Lastly, they help foster a more engaging, two-way conversation, positioning the candidate as a thoughtful professional rather than just another applicant.
When job seekers apply this question-based interviewing strategy, they not only stand out in the hiring process but also gain clarity on whether the opportunity is truly the right fit for their long-term career goals. Employers want to hire candidates who are both qualified and invested in the role, and asking the right questions is a powerful way to convey that.
How to structure your questions
Here are some examples of questions that could help you interview your interviewer in your next conversation and the best time to use them.
“What are the top 3 – 5 Must Haves that you’re seeking in your next new hire?”
“What’s a top initiative the team is working on, and how do you see this role contributing to its success?”
“What is your vision for success with this role? What are the measuring sticks?”
“What initially attracted you to this company, and what keeps you here?”
Practicing question-based interviewing
For those preparing for an interview, shifting the mindset from “How do I answer correctly?” to “How do I guide this conversation?” can make all the difference. As a career transition coach, I help technology leaders refine this approach to increase their chances of receiving better job offers—and faster. If you’re struggling to differentiate yourself in interviews, now is the time to start focusing on the questions that will get you hired.