Interviewing Is a Two-Way Street—Here’s How to Flip the Script
It’s easy to fall into the mindset that a job interview is a one-sided evaluation—where the company decides whether or not to hire you, and your only role is to impress them. But the reality is, you are not just a candidate hoping for approval; you are a professional assessing whether this opportunity is the right fit for your goals and values.
A job interview isn’t just about proving that you’re the right fit for them—it’s about making sure they’re the right fit for you. No matter how exciting an opportunity looks on paper, if the company’s culture, leadership style, or work expectations don’t align with what you want, you could end up feeling frustrated and unfulfilled.
Approaching an interview with this perspective shifts your entire mindset. Instead of focusing on whether you will be offered the job, focus on whether this is a role where you will thrive. When you take this approach, you show up with more confidence, communicate your value more effectively, and ask stronger questions that help you make an informed decision.
The Power of Asking the Right Questions
The best candidates don’t just answer questions; they ask great ones. Thoughtful questions not only demonstrate your engagement and professionalism, but they also provide critical insights into the company’s culture, expectations, and future direction.
Here are key areas to focus on when asking questions:
Team Culture and Work Environment
How would you describe the team dynamic and communication style?
What qualities make someone successful in this role beyond technical skills?
How does the company support collaboration and professional development within teams?
Why it matters: The people you work with have a direct impact on your job satisfaction and career growth. A great role in a poorly structured team can quickly become a challenge.
Leadership and Career Development
How does leadership support employee growth and development?
Can you share an example of how someone in this role has advanced within the company?
What professional development opportunities does the company provide?
Why it matters: A company that invests in its employees will provide opportunities for long-term success, not just immediate job responsibilities.
Company Challenges and Vision
What are the biggest challenges facing this team right now?
How does this role contribute to the company’s long-term success?
How has the company adapted to industry changes over the past few years?
Why it matters: Understanding a company’s challenges and direction gives you insight into job stability, leadership adaptability, and potential growth opportunities.
Work-Life Balance and Expectations
How does the company approach work-life balance for this team?
Are there peak busy periods, and how does the company support employees during those times?
What are the expectations around after-hours work and availability?
Why it matters: A job that looks great on paper may not be sustainable if the company does not respect work-life boundaries. Asking about this in the interview helps set realistic expectations.
The Confidence Shift: Walking in as a Business Partner
One of the most powerful mindset shifts you can make before an interview is to stop seeing yourself as a candidate and start seeing yourself as a business partner.
Companies hire because they have a need—they are looking for someone who can solve a problem, improve a process, or drive success. You bring unique skills and experiences that can help them achieve their goals. When you approach an interview with the belief that you are also evaluating them, you naturally project confidence and clarity.
Instead of thinking:
I hope they like me. → Think: I want to see if this is the right fit for both of us.
I really need this job. → Think: I want to make sure this role aligns with my long-term goals.
This shift helps you:
Avoid saying yes to a job that isn’t the right fit.
Position yourself as a strategic thinker, not just a job seeker.
Communicate your value in a way that resonates with decision-makers.
Your Career, Your Choice
You are not just trying to land a job—you are trying to choose the right one. A strong salary and title mean little if the company culture, leadership, and expectations do not align with your goals.
The best career decisions come from clarity, confidence, and a willingness to ask the right questions. Walk into your interviews knowing your worth, evaluating the opportunity as much as they are evaluating you, and ensuring that if you say yes, it is to a role where you can truly thrive.