By the time you’ve been offered an interview, you’ve put in a lot of work. You finished challenging courses and clinical rotations. And while getting an interview is an exciting step, it requires dedicated work too. You want to put your best foot forward so you can land the clinical role you’ve been dreaming about.

You probably won’t wear a suit. Or sit in a waiting room with your resume handy. In fact, you probably won’t even leave your house because there’s a good chance your interview will be virtual. And that can be a huge relief — no traveling and no worrying about sweaty palms.

But even if you interview virtually, there are some things you should always do. Dress like you care. Make eye contact and smile. And show your interviewer you are prepared and committed by asking questions. In fact, asking good questions can be the deciding factor between you and another candidate.

Ask Questions About Your Interviewer

One of the ways you can set yourself apart from other candidates is by getting to know the person who is interviewing you. You’ll make a more favorable impression when you show you care enough to learn about that person as an individual. After all, most people feel good when someone has taken an interest in their lives — and your interviewer is no different.

Before the interview, you can do research on the organization’s website or on LinkedIn. You may be able to formulate questions about your interviewer’s professional history or their personal hobbies and passions. If you can’t find any details ahead of time or need ideas, consider asking:

What do you like about your current role?
Why did you leave your last role?
What other positions have you had here?
What was the biggest challenge for you when you got started? What is the biggest challenge now?
How long do you see yourself staying here?

Learning about your interviewer’s career trajectory and challenges is a window into the organization itself. Does she sing the praises of the organization? Has he been able to evolve professionally?

Ask Questions About The Current Position

One of the essential qualities of an excellent candidate is a genuine interest in the organization, the team, and the role. By the time of the interview, you’ve probably begun to imagine yourself in the role. You’ll be able to discern whether it’s a good fit if you ask specific questions about expectations and team dynamics.

When you ask questions about the job itself, have a pen and paper handy. Tell the interviewer (if the interview is virtual) that when you break eye contact, it’s because you are taking notes. That level of attention — and the following questions — will differentiate you from other candidates.

Did someone leave this position or is it a new addition?
What hours should I expect to work?
How many clinicians are on this team?
What are the most important traits for someone in this role?
What are the biggest challenges for new clinicians in this role?

If you are offered the job, you’ll want to make sure you understand what you are saying yes to. The more you know upfront, the more confident you can be about your decision to take the job — or keep looking.

Ask Questions About Growth Opportunities

Potential employers want to know you can do the job they’re hiring for. They also want to know if you have ambitions beyond the job in question. After all, the best clinicians go above and beyond expectations — and are always looking for ways to improve themselves personally and professionally. Demonstrate you are motivated to make yourself and the organization better. Consider asking these questions to get to the heart of potential growth opportunities

How does your review process work?
How long does it typically take to get promoted?
What support do you offer for personal and professional development?
What certifications would benefit me and my patients?
How can I contribute to the culture?

“What else can I do?” is a great question to ask not only in the interview but on the job, too. You’ll show your directors and fellow clinicians that they can count on you. And you’ll also be more likely to build a career that remains interesting and inspiring.

A Lack of Questions Hurts Your Chances of Getting Hired

Interviewers will make some assumptions about you if you choose not to ask questions. It will be natural for them to think that you:

Didn’t do your research. If you don’t have questions ready about the organization’s structure, processes, and culture, it will look as if you weren’t willing to do any homework. Show your interviewer you took the time to learn about your future workplace and want to learn more.
Aren’t really interested. Your interviewer wants to confirm you actually want the job. No questions = no interest.
Don’t have strong communication skills. Part of good communication is asking for clarity. When you ask questions, you’re showing the interviewer how you will be as a working clinician. Will you make poor or harmful decisions for a patient because you didn't make sure you understood all the details perfectly?
Aren’t really listening. If you don’t ask questions of your interviewer, it may look like you just tuned out. Appropriate questions prove you are engaged and are actively listening.

If you feel reluctant or shy about asking questions during your interview, you’re not alone. It’s easy to feel like you’re there to answer questions, not ask them. As you get ready for the interview, practice asking questions of a friend. After all, the best interviews aren’t one-way interrogations. They’re back-and-forth conversations.