Stop Asking This Overused Job Interview Question If You Want To Stand Out

Navigating the job interview process can feel like walking a tightrope—every word, gesture, and question matters. In today’s competitive job market, where a single position might attract hundreds of applicants, standing out is more crucial than ever. In 2024, recruiters conducted 40% more interviews per hire than in 2021.

While preparing for interviews, candidates often focus on polishing their answers, but the questions you ask can be just as important in leaving a lasting impression. Are you asking the right ones?

According to Dan Space, a former HR professional with experience at Spotify and EA, one of the most popular interview questions—“What does success look like in 30, 60, 90 days?”—might actually hurt your chances.

While the question is often touted as insightful, Space explains that it’s overused and offers little value. “It’s always on the top 10 lists of questions to ask, but I don’t think it’s really valuable,” he says.

Hiring managers hear it frequently, and it rarely provides meaningful insights or helps candidates stand out. Job interviews are about efficiency—your time and the employer’s are limited. From crafting a concise, impactful résumé to tailoring your questions, every decision should serve to make you memorable. So, what should you ask instead?

The key lies in ditching generic inquiries and crafting thoughtful, unique ones that demonstrate your curiosity and research.

Why This Popular Question Falls Flat

Asking, “What does success look like in 30, 60, 90 days?” might seem like a strong move in a job interview, but HR expert Dan Space explains why it’s not.

According to Space, the question often results in vague answers from employers, providing little insight into the role. “Employers tend to give generic responses that don’t offer meaningful guidance for candidates,” he shares.

More importantly, it fails to differentiate you from other applicants. In today’s competitive job market, where a single role can receive hundreds of applications, standing out is crucial.

“If four great candidates ask the same cookie-cutter question, and one asks something unique and engaging, the standout always wins,” Space notes.

The Right Approach to Asking Questions

The key to crafting impactful questions lies in preparation. Instead of generic queries, Space suggests framing questions that reflect your research and genuine interest in the company.

For instance, asking, “What major challenge does this team hope to tackle in the next year?” shows you’re already thinking about how you can contribute. Similarly, questions like, “How does this role support the company’s larger mission?” demonstrate your strategic mindset.

Instagram/danfromhr

According to a 2023 LinkedIn study, candidates who tailor their questions are 35% more likely to leave a lasting impression on hiring managers.

Instagram/danfromhr

In interviews, asking the right questions is as important as answering them. Thoughtful questions reveal your preparedness, enthusiasm, and ability to think critically—all traits that hiring managers value.

So, ditch the overused 30-60-90 question and craft queries that highlight your unique skills. Share this with someone prepping for interviews—it might just give them the edge they need to land their dream job!

Expert Insights on Interview Questions

Dr. Angela Duckworth, a renowned psychologist and author, emphasizes the importance of asking thoughtful questions during interviews to demonstrate genuine interest. Her research highlights that candidates who engage in meaningful dialogue tend to make stronger impressions on interviewers.

Instead of generic questions, she suggests inquiring about the company culture or team dynamics. This approach not only showcases your curiosity but also helps you assess if the organization aligns with your values. Such proactive engagement can significantly distinguish you from other candidates.

A career coach often advises candidates to avoid cliché questions like 'What are your weaknesses?' instead of focusing on questions that reveal deeper insights about the role and the organization. For example, asking about challenges the team currently faces can lead to a more productive conversation.

This strategy not only shows your awareness of the company's environment but also positions you as a problem solver. Additionally, it provides you with valuable information that can help you decide if the company is the right fit for you.

Psychological Insights & Implications

In today's competitive job market, differentiating yourself in an interview is essential. By replacing overused questions with thoughtful inquiries, you not only engage the interviewer but also gather critical information about the role and organization.

Experts like Dr. Angela Duckworth highlight that curiosity can leave a lasting impression. Thus, preparing insightful questions can significantly enhance your chances of success and ensure a more meaningful dialogue during the interview process.