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.

The workforce is shifting—fast. Whether you’re feeling the ripple effects of federal restructuring, looking for more flexibility, or simply craving work that aligns with your values and lifestyle, now might be the perfect time to pivot.

But pivot into what?

If you’re wondering which industries or roles are worth considering in today’s market, this article breaks down high-demand career paths that are ideal for professionals who want to reinvent themselves—without starting from scratch.

1. Project Management

Why it’s hot: Project managers are essential across industries—from tech to healthcare to government contracting. If you’ve ever led a team, coordinated logistics, or kept multiple tasks on track, you already have the foundation.

Skills that transfer:

• Budget oversight

• Team coordination

• Deadline management

• Stakeholder communication

Bonus tip: A PMP or Google Project Management Certificate can give you an edge, but experience often speaks louder than credentials.

2. Data Analysis & Reporting

Why it’s hot: Organizations are drowning in data—but they need professionals who can make sense of it. This field is perfect for detail-oriented thinkers with experience in Excel, reporting tools, or program evaluation.

Skills that transfer:

• Interpreting trends

• Creating dashboards and reports

• Strategic decision support

• Quality assurance

Bonus tip: Free tools like Google Data Analytics or LinkedIn Learning can help you level up fast.

3. Human Resources & DEIA Roles

Why it’s hot: As workplaces focus more on culture, wellness, and inclusion, there’s growing demand for HR professionals with experience in employee support and DEIA strategy.

Skills that transfer:

• Policy development

• Conflict resolution

• Program design

• Coaching and mentoring

Bonus tip: If you’ve served in a people-first role (formal or informal), you’re more qualified than you think.

4. Content Creation & Communications

Why it’s hot: Brands, nonprofits, and government contractors need professionals who can tell stories, write clearly, and communicate value.

Skills that transfer:

• Writing/editing

• Internal communications

• Public speaking

• Graphic presentation (Canva, PowerPoint)

Bonus tip: Many professionals are turning these skills into freelance or side business opportunities—especially through LinkedIn or personal brands.

5. Career & Leadership Coaching

Why it’s hot: The coaching industry has grown steadily, with many pivoting into full-time or side-business coaching after years in service-oriented roles.

Skills that transfer:

• One-on-one mentoring

• Group facilitation

• Strategic planning

• Goal setting and accountability

Bonus tip: If you’ve supported coworkers, managed teams, or trained staff, coaching may be your next calling.

6. Cybersecurity & IT Support

Why it’s hot: With growing concerns around data protection and digital transformation, cybersecurity is booming—and many entry points don’t require a computer science degree.

Skills that transfer:

• Risk management

• Compliance oversight

• Process improvement

• Attention to detail

Bonus tip: Programs like Google’s Cybersecurity Certificate or CompTIA Security+ are beginner-friendly and respected in the industry.

Final Thought: Pivoting Doesn’t Mean Starting Over

Most professionals don’t need to reinvent themselves completely. In fact, a successful pivot is about taking what you already know—and applying it somewhere new.

If you’ve been feeling stuck or unsure about your next move, now’s the time to explore your options. Your experience is valuable. The key is learning how to reframe it.

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.