How to Lead an Interview and Stand Out as the Candidate They Need

 Turn Interviews Into Conversations, Not Tests
Interviews often feel like a test—questions fired at you, and you’re expected to have all the “right” answers. But here’s a secret: the best interviews are conversations, not interrogations.

The strongest candidates don’t just wait to answer questions—they take control of the discussion by showing curiosity, confidence, and value. Let me show you how to flip the script and guide your next interview like a pro.

Ask Questions That Show You Care About Their Goals
A great way to stand out in an interview is by asking questions that go beyond the surface. Instead of focusing solely on the role description, dive deeper into the company’s challenges and priorities.

Common interviewing advice says to save questions to the end of the interview.

Consider asking questions throughout the conversation.

For example, after you’ve answered a question on the biggest challenge you have, ask them a question to make it a dialog:

• “Can you share biggest challenge this team is facing right now?  

This question does two things:

1. It shows you’re invested in understanding their needs.
2. It positions you as a proactive problem solver.

When you approach interviews this way, you demonstrate that you’re not just looking for any job—you’re looking to make an impact.

Share Your Solutions to Their Challenges
Once you’ve asked about their goals, take the opportunity to connect your skills and experience to their needs.

For example:

• If they mention a challenge with project deadlines, you could say:
• “I’ve led teams through tight timelines before. Here’s how I’d approach improving efficiency while maintaining quality.”

This approach not only answers their question but also positions you as the solution to their challenges. It’s about painting a clear picture of what success could look like with you on their team.

Why Leading the Conversation Makes a Difference
When you take the lead in an interview, you achieve two important goals:

1. You build rapport: Interviews are human interactions, and engaging in a genuine conversation helps build trust and connection.
2. You differentiate yourself: Most candidates stick to scripted answers. By guiding the discussion, you show confidence, leadership, and a strong understanding of their needs.

Leading doesn’t mean dominating the conversation—it’s about being thoughtful and collaborative in your approach.

Your Action Plan for Your Next Interview
Ready to try this out? Here’s how to prepare:

1. Research the Company: Understand their goals, values, and current challenges so you can tailor your questions.
2. Draft Thoughtful Questions: Prepare 2–3 questions about their priorities or team needs.
3. Practice Connecting Your Skills to Their Challenges: Be ready to share how your past experiences align with their goals.

Remember, you’re not just there to answer questions—you’re there to show them why you’re the right person for the job.

Take Control, Stand Out
An interview isn’t just about what you say—it’s about how you guide the conversation. When you ask thoughtful questions and offer tailored solutions, you position yourself as the candidate they need.

What’s your favorite interview question to ask? Share it in the comments of my LinkedIn post —let’s inspire each other!