Article

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

September 18, 2024

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.



share this

Related Articles

Related Articles

By New Chapter Talent June 6, 2025
On Wednesday 4 June 2025, Lucy and New Chapter Talent rolled up their sleeves and got sandwich-making with a purpose. Alongside more than 20 other small business recruitment agency owners from Recruitment United — Australia’s fastest growing community for recruitment agency owners — the team joined forces with Eat Up Australia to make a real difference. The morning event, hosted at Eat Up’s Melbourne base, saw the group prepare 954 cheese sandwiches in under an hour — all destined for schoolchildren across Victoria doing it tough. Who is Eat Up Australia? Eat Up Australia is a not-for-profit organisation founded by Lyndon Galea . Their mission is simple but powerful: to feed the one in five Aussie kids who go to school hungry. Since its inception, Eat Up has delivered millions of lunches to children in need, thanks to the support of volunteers, schools, and partners across the country. Their work ensures that kids can focus on learning, laughing, and being kids — rather than worrying about where their next meal will come from. As the cost-of-living crisis continues to impact Australian families, teachers are increasingly stepping in to share their own lunches with students. It’s a heartbreaking reality — and one that Eat Up works tirelessly to change. Bringing the Recruitment Community Together The initiative was organised by Pete Watson , founder of Recruitment United. Pete’s goal? To bring together a community of like-minded recruitment business owners who not only support one another professionally but also show up for causes that matter. And show up they did. Laughter, teamwork and a fair bit of cheese filled the air as the group assembled sandwich after sandwich, each one a small act of kindness for a child in need. While the group narrowly missed their ambitious 1,000 sandwich target (running out of bread with just 46 to go!), the impact of the morning was undeniable. New Chapter Talent was proud to take part in such an uplifting and hands-on initiative. It was a chance to connect with an incredible community of recruiters, support an extraordinary organisation, and give back in a meaningful way. From all of us at New Chapter Talent — a huge thanks to Pete Watson for bringing the recruitment community together, and to Lyndon and the Eat Up Australia team for the incredible work you do. We were honoured to be a part of it! Learn more about Eat Up Australia and how you can support at eatup.org.au .
By New Chapter Talent May 29, 2025
We’re so excited to announce the launch of the inaugural New Chapter Talent Marketing Leader Awards (MLAs) – a celebration of standout marketers across Australia and New Zealand who are shaping the future of our industry and inspiring us all along the way. These awards are our way of recognising two very special groups of people: those who are just getting started and showing exceptional promise, and those who are already leading the charge with strategic brilliance, commercial impact, and unwavering support for their teams. We’ve got two award categories , some truly brilliant judges , and a prize pack that’s seriously worth shouting about . Let’s dive in. The Marketing Rising Star Award This category celebrates emerging marketers who are already making a big impact, despite being early in their careers. These rising stars are the ones to watch – full of ideas, drive, and a hunger to learn. Our judging criteria for this award include: Leadership and Innovation: Do they think differently, lead with purpose, and bring a fresh perspective? Collaboration and Integration: How do they work with others and motivate those around them? Passion and Goal-Driven: Are they constantly learning, pushing themselves, and chasing their goals? Impact and Results: What have they delivered so far – campaigns, projects, performance? Self-nominations are welcome – just include a testimonial from a senior colleague, manager, or mentor. 
By New Chapter Talent May 22, 2025
What Brands Want in Marketers Right Now ~ Spotlight Fridays with Lucy Bolan
All Articles

STAY UP TO DATE

Get the latest

Receive regular updates from New Chapter Talent.

Contact Us