5 Must-Ask Interview Questions (And the ones you should definitely avoid)

We've all been there.

You’re sitting in the interview, confident and prepared, with an A+ list of questions ready to impress your potential employer. But as the conversation unfolds, one by one, they answer all your brilliant queries before you even get the chance to ask. Then, it happens:

“So, do you have any questions for me?”

Suddenly, your mind goes blank. 🤔 Cue the internal panic.

But don’t worry! We've got you covered. Whether you're about to interview for your dream marketing role or just brushing up on your interview skills, having a few go-to questions can really set you apart from the crowd. We’ve rounded up 5 golden nugget questions that will help you shine in any interview, plus a few you’ll definitely want to avoid!

✅ 5 Golden Nugget Questions to ask in your next interview:

1. What projects would I be jumping into in the first 60-90 days?  This question shows your enthusiasm for getting started and making an impact right away. It also gives you insight into the immediate expectations the company has for your role.
2. Why do you enjoy working for the company? This one taps into the interviewer’s personal experience, helping you gauge company culture and whether it’s the right fit for you.
3. What’s your management style, and how do you check in with your team? It’s important to understand how you'll be managed. Will you have the freedom to be creative, or will there be more hands-on guidance? This question helps clarify what you can expect from your manager.
4. What are the clear expectations for the first 3-6 months? This shows you’re serious about succeeding and want to understand the benchmarks for your performance.
5. What challenges do you think I might face in this role? Not only does this question demonstrate that you're thinking ahead, but it also prepares you for any hurdles you may need to overcome.

🚫 What NOT to Ask (Trust us):

1. What’s the starting salary?
   While salary is crucial, save this for later in the interview process. Asking upfront can make it seem like you're only in it for the paycheck.
2. How many holidays can I take?
   Asking about holidays in the first interview can come across as if you're more focused on time off than the job itself.
3. How often can I work from home?
   While flexibility is important, save this question for later on once you have a clearer picture of the role.
4. Can I have extra leave?
   Again, this is a question for HR once you've received an offer. In the interview, your focus should be on what you can bring to the table.

Good luck with your interviews this week, and remember—stay curious, stay calm, and ask the right questions! 🤞

Got more interview tips or looking for your next marketing role? Reach out to New Chapter Talent—we've got your back!

Contact Lucy!

If you need any career advice, reach out to Lucy at New Chapter Talent via:

✉️ lucy@newchaptertalent.com.au

Or connect with Lucy over on LinkedIn. She is a wealth of knowledge in all things recruitment!

For more insights, news, career opportunities and job vacancies, follow New Talent Chapter on LinkedIn.