Job interviews aren’t just about answering questions—they’re also your opportunity to ask them. Thoughtful, well-timed questions can demonstrate your curiosity, strategic thinking, and alignment with the company’s mission.

Whether you’re pivoting careers, re-entering the workforce, or aiming for a leadership role, knowing what to ask during a job interview can give you a competitive edge—and help you decide if the role is truly the right fit.

Here are 10 impactful questions to ask during a job interview that will help you stand out and gather meaningful insights:

1. What does success look like in this role?

This question shows you’re already thinking about impact. It helps you understand how performance is measured and what the company values most.

2. What are the biggest challenges someone in this position might face?

This signals that you’re not just focused on the positives—you’re realistic and ready to take on potential roadblocks.

3. How would you describe the team I’d be working with?

Team culture matters. This question gives you insight into how collaborative, supportive, or structured the work environment is.

4. What are the top priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?

This shows you’re eager to make an immediate contribution and want to align with their expectations from day one.

5. How does the company support professional development and growth?

Asking this demonstrates initiative and a growth mindset—both highly valued by employers.

6. Can you tell me more about the company’s values and how they show up in daily operations?

This question digs deeper than a mission statement—it helps you see if the culture is truly values-driven or just talking the talk.

7. How does this role contribute to the company’s larger goals or vision?

It positions you as a big-picture thinker who wants to align your work with the organization’s impact.

8. Are there opportunities for cross-functional collaboration?

Asking about collaboration shows you’re a team player and interested in building relationships beyond your immediate role.

9. What do you enjoy most about working here?

This invites the interviewer to share their personal experience—and gives you a glimpse of authentic company culture.

10. What are the next steps in the interview process?

Always end by showing continued interest. This keeps communication clear and demonstrates professionalism.

Tailor Your Questions

Not every question is right for every interview. Choose 2–3 that feel most relevant to the position, company, or stage of the hiring process. And always avoid questions that can easily be answered through a quick Google search or the company website.

Why These Questions Matter

Employers want candidates who are not only qualified—but also intentional, thoughtful, and genuinely engaged. By asking smart questions, you’ll stand out from the competition and gather the information you need to make confident career decisions.

A layoff can feel like a punch to the gut—but it’s also a unique opportunity to hit refresh, realign your goals, and show up stronger than ever. In today’s competitive job market, your resume and LinkedIn profile aren’t just digital documents—they’re your frontline tools for storytelling, branding, and attracting new opportunities.

Here’s how to update, upgrade, and unleash your professional presence after a layoff.

1. Update With Intention

Start by reviewing your resume and LinkedIn profile with a fresh perspective. Don’t just add your most recent role—rethink how your skills and experiences reflect your career goals moving forward. Focus on outcomes, not just duties. What value did you bring to your past roles? What problems did you help solve?

Pro tip: Update your resume with keywords from your target job postings to increase your chances of passing through applicant tracking systems.

On LinkedIn, make sure your headline and summary are forward-facing. Instead of simply stating your last job title, use that space to speak to your skills, passions, and the kind of roles you’re seeking now.

2. Upgrade Your Brand Presence

A layoff doesn’t define you—but how you respond to it does. Now’s the time to enhance your career brand.

Refresh your LinkedIn profile photo and background image to align with your industry. Add a compelling “About” section that reflects who you are professionally, what you bring to the table, and what you’re excited to do next.

You should also take advantage of LinkedIn features like the “Featured” section, where you can highlight media, presentations, or even a short video introducing yourself and your expertise. The goal? Show you’re proactive, polished, and ready.

3. Unleash Opportunities With Visibility

Once you’ve updated and upgraded your materials, it’s time to go public—strategically. Turn on the “Open to Work” feature on LinkedIn and write a simple but powerful post sharing your career goals and openness to new opportunities. Don’t be afraid to share your story—transparency builds connection.

Engage with posts in your industry, comment thoughtfully, and reconnect with past colleagues and mentors. LinkedIn is not just a resume—it’s a networking engine. The more active and authentic you are, the more visible you become to recruiters and hiring managers.

Final Thoughts

Getting laid off may not have been your choice, but how you move forward is entirely up to you. By taking the time to update your materials, upgrade your digital presence, and unleash your personal brand, you’re not just recovering—you’re rising.

You’ve got the tools. Now’s the time to use them.

When we talk about career growth, it’s easy to focus on the usual suspects: technical skills, certifications, and years of experience. But in today’s competitive and fast-evolving workforce, the skills that really move the needle are the most overlooked skills.

Whether you’re climbing the ladder, navigating a transition, or trying to stand out in a sea of resumes, mastering these underrated skills can quietly but powerfully set you apart.

Let’s dive into five often-overlooked skills that are actually essential to long-term career success:

1. Active Listening

We tend to equate good communication with talking—but in reality, listening is where real influence starts.

Active listening means giving your full attention, asking thoughtful follow-up questions, and showing that you genuinely understand what’s being said. In meetings, job interviews, and even day-to-day conversations, it builds trust and strengthens relationships. It also helps you catch details others might miss—giving you an edge.

Pro Tip: Try the “pause, paraphrase, and respond” method to ensure you’re fully tuned in.

2. Adaptability

In a world where industries are constantly evolving due to technology, economic shifts, and market demands, adaptability is not just a nice-to-have—it’s a must.

Those who can pivot quickly, embrace new tools, and stay calm under pressure are the ones who continue to thrive. Being adaptable shows employers that you’re solution-oriented and resilient, even when things don’t go according to plan.

Career Insight: Adaptability is a top trait employers look for in leadership roles and remote positions.

3. Self-Management

Time management is important—but self-management goes deeper. It’s about being accountable, staying motivated, and regulating your emotions, especially in high-stress situations.

With more workplaces moving toward hybrid or fully remote models, the ability to manage your own workload, deadlines, and energy levels has never been more important.

Quick Win: Block off time for focused work, and set mini-deadlines to keep yourself on track.

4. Asking for Help

Yes, this is a skill—and one that many professionals struggle with.

We often believe that asking for help signals weakness. But in reality, it shows emotional intelligence, collaboration, and a growth mindset. Knowing when (and how) to reach out to others can help you avoid mistakes, build stronger networks, and develop faster.

Action Step: Start by identifying a mentor or trusted colleague you can check in with regularly.

5. Career Storytelling

You could have all the skills in the world, but if you can’t articulate your value, you might get overlooked.

Career storytelling is about being able to explain your journey—your “why,” your wins, your growth—in a way that connects with employers, clients, or collaborators. It shows self-awareness and confidence, two qualities that inspire trust and leadership potential.

Conclusion: The Soft Skills Are the Power Skills

These five skills may not always show up on a job posting, but they often determine who gets hired, promoted, or remembered. If you’re looking to elevate your career in 2025 and beyond, take some time to strengthen these often-overlooked abilities.

Because in the end, it’s not just what you know that sets you apart—it’s how you show up.