You are trying to persuade someone to buy what you’re selling. Until you get the offer, you have no power.
Many job seekers are led to believe that interviews are a "two-way street," meaning they should evaluate the company just as much as the company evaluates them. While this is true to an extent, asking the wrong questions during an interview can damage a candidate’s chances. Questions about work culture, career progression, or logistical details might make a candidate seem uncommitted or overly focused on minor aspects rather than the role itself. Instead of directly asking the interviewer about these topics, candidates should rely on external research and their professional network for honest insights.
A smarter approach is to assess the company indirectly. Online searches, employee reviews, and speaking to current or former employees can offer valuable information about company culture, management style, and work conditions. Rather than putting the interviewer on the spot with questions they may not answer honestly, candidates should focus on observing the way the interviewer speaks about the role, the team, and the company. This approach allows candidates to gather useful information while maintaining a strong, professional impression.
One of the most critical takeaways is that negotiation and specific job concerns—such as flexible work arrangements or office conditions—should only be discussed after receiving an offer. Before that point, the candidate has little leverage, and raising concerns prematurely might reduce their chances of being hired. Once an offer is on the table, however, the candidate can respectfully bring up their needs while maintaining enthusiasm for the role. Ultimately, the key to a successful interview is prioritizing the job offer first and worrying about the finer details later.
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