The Reverse Interview: 5 Questions That Turn Interviews Into Job Offers
"Do you have any questions for me?" Most candidates fumble this moment. The best candidates use it to close the deal. Here are the questions that separate offers from rejections.
The interview is winding down. You've answered every question thoughtfully. Your qualifications are clear. Then comes the moment that separates good candidates from great ones: "Do you have any questions for me?"
Most candidates say "No, I think you covered everything" or ask something generic they could have Googled. They've just signaled disengagement at the exact moment they should be closing.
Top candidates treat this differently. They see it as their interview of the company—a chance to demonstrate strategic thinking while gathering real information. This is the reverse interview, and it's your final opportunity to shape how they remember you.
Why Your Questions Matter More Than Your Answers
Here's something most job seekers don't realize: the longer you spend with the interviewer, the better your chances. Asking thoughtful questions extends your time and keeps the conversation going when you're at your most relaxed and authentic.
But it's not just about time. Your questions reveal how you think. A hiring manager who's spent 45 minutes asking about your experience now gets to see what you care about, how you approach decisions, and whether you're already thinking like someone on the team.
The Psychology of Good Questions
65%
of employers now use skills-based hiring, watching how you engage—not just what you say
2-3
questions minimum shows engagement; more than 5 risks overstaying your welcome
The 5 Questions That Get Offers
Not all questions are created equal. Some reveal curiosity. Others reveal strategic thinking. The best do both while giving you information you actually need. Here are the five questions top candidates ask—and when to use each one.
"What would success look like in the first 90 days?"
This question shifts the conversation from "do I fit?" to "how do I deliver?" You're already thinking about outcomes, not just getting hired. It signals that you're outcome-oriented and ready to contribute.
When to use it:
Always. This works for any role, any company, any interviewer. It's your safest high-value question.
"What's the biggest challenge you hope this hire will solve?"
This reveals pain points that may not appear in the job description. You're positioning yourself as a problem-solver from day one—someone who thinks about impact, not just tasks. The answer also tells you whether this role has real scope or is being set up to fail.
When to use it:
Mid-to-late interview, after you've built rapport. This question requires the interviewer to be somewhat candid, so wait until they're comfortable with you.
"Is there anything about my background that makes you hesitant to move forward?"
This is the highest-risk, highest-reward question. It surfaces objections you can address on the spot. Maybe they're worried about a gap in your experience. Maybe they misunderstood something you said. This gives you a chance to salvage an interview that might otherwise end in a silent rejection.
When to use it:
Only if the interview is going well. This puts you in a vulnerable position—it works because it shows confidence and self-awareness, but it can backfire if the vibe is already off.
"What do the most successful people in this role do differently?"
This gets you a blueprint for success directly from the source. The answer reveals how the company defines success and what specific behaviors lead to promotions and recognition. It also shows you're already thinking about excelling, not just surviving.
When to use it:
Best with hiring managers or team leads who've seen multiple people in the role. HR may not have this insight.
"What do you like about working here?"
Simple but powerful. You can learn a lot from how they respond—enthusiasm, hesitation, or a rehearsed corporate answer. This humanizes the conversation, builds connection, and gives you genuine insight into the culture. Watch their body language as much as their words.
When to use it:
A great closer. After substantive questions, this ends on a personal note and leaves them reflecting on positive feelings about their job—feelings that get associated with you.
Questions That Kill Your Chances
Some questions signal the wrong things. Avoid these, especially in early rounds:
"What does your company do?"
Instant credibility killer. This signals you didn't prepare.
"What's the salary?" or "How much vacation do I get?"
Save compensation questions for after they've decided they want you. Asking early makes you seem motivated by perks over impact.
Anything easily found on the company website
Use your question time for insight you can't get elsewhere. Company facts are for your research phase.
Turn Questions Into Follow-Up Gold
Your questions do double duty. They impress in the moment, and they give you material for your thank-you email. Reference something specific from their answers:
"Thank you for sharing that the biggest challenge is onboarding speed for new enterprise clients. I've been thinking about your current approach, and I have some ideas from my experience at [Company] that might help. I'd love to discuss them if we move forward."
This shows active listening, adds value, and keeps the conversation going.
Your Reverse Interview Strategy
Don't memorize all five questions and rapid-fire them. Pick 2-3 based on how the interview is going and who you're talking to. Here's a simple framework:
For HR/Recruiters
Stick to #1 (90 days) and #5 (what do you like). They may not have tactical role knowledge.
For Hiring Managers
Go deeper: #1 (90 days), #2 (biggest challenge), and #4 (top performers).
For Final Rounds
This is when #3 (any hesitations) becomes powerful. You've built enough rapport to ask it.
Great Questions Start With Great Preparation
The best interview questions come from deep research on the company and role. Landera helps you understand exactly what employers want—so you walk in ready to have the conversation that gets you hired.
Start Preparing