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 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/danfromhrAccording to a 2023 LinkedIn study, candidates who tailor their questions are 35% more likely to leave a lasting impression on hiring managers.
Instagram/danfromhrIn 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!
