Interview Toolkit
This is the general toolkit. Choose a service and you'll get this same toolkit generated with your own information.
Questions to ask at the end of the interview
What's a typical day like in this role?
Who will train me for this position, and how?
What does success look like in this role, and how will it be measured?
What should I accomplish in the first 3 months?
Is any work expected outside regular hours?
What's the typical career path?
What's the biggest challenge for someone in this position?
What's the biggest challenge for the department?
What are the department's upcoming goals?
Based on our conversation, do you have any concerns about my ability to perform this role, or about me as a candidate?
How do I compare to the other candidates you're considering?
What's the most pressing thing this hire can take off your plate?
What's the #1 strength you need in the person you bring on?
Based on what I've seen, a common struggle in a role like this is [___]. Is that what you're seeing?
What brought you to this company, and what has kept you here?
What's the most rewarding part of working in this position?
How has your role helped you grow?
If I'm selected, what can I start doing today to prepare for my first day?
What are the next steps in the process?
When would be a good time for me to follow up if I haven't heard anything?
I'm exploring a few opportunities, so I'd love to keep things moving. Would it be okay if I followed up by [date]?
What are the opportunities for growth and development in this role?
How to close an interview
From everything we've discussed, it sounds like your biggest goals are [goal] and [goal]. Those are exactly the challenges I've worked on in my last roles, and they're where I can make an impact here.
Before we wrap up, is there anything in my background or our conversation that gives you pause about moving forward?
This shows confidence and brings up concerns while you can still address them.
I'm even more excited about this role after our conversation. I can already see where I could add value in [area]. What are the next steps? What can I do to prepare for this role in the meantime?
Thank you again for the conversation. I left even more excited about how I can help [company] reach [goal]. I look forward to next steps.
"What's not on your resume?"
Avoid saying "I don't have any weaknesses." Strong answers sound like:
I really enjoy developing people.
I step into struggling environments and bring structure, clarity, and calm.
During change, I listen before I act.
I value accountability where people feel supported, not afraid.
I learn from mistakes to build cultures where people succeed without burning out.
Takeaway: show who you are, not just what you've done.
Message the hiring manager after you apply
Hi [name], I hope you're doing well. I applied for the [position] at [company] today and wanted to reach out directly. A bit about me: [one-sentence summary, then 2 to 3 relevant accomplishments]. This role caught my eye because [specific reasons tied to your background]. I'd be glad to answer any questions, and either way, I wish you success with this hire. [Name] [Email]
Tip: most applicants never reach out, so 10 minutes here helps you stand out.
Asking for a higher salary
Hi [name], thank you so much for this offer. I'm excited about joining [company] and the [team]. Based on the scope of the role, I'm targeting a base salary of $[amount]. Would it be possible to revisit the base salary at $[amount]? Either way, I'm grateful for the offer and excited about the team.
Politely declining a low offer
Dear [name], thank you for offering me the [title] position at [company]. After careful thought, I have to decline because the salary doesn't meet my current needs or match the market value for my experience. I'm still very interested in [company] and would love to stay in touch about future roles that may be a better fit. Thank you again for your time.
Tips: be polite, clear, and grateful, and keep the door open.