What Great Candidates Want to Hear
Most hiring teams prepare to ask great questions.
But few are ready to answer them.
And that’s exactly what top candidates notice.
This week, I ran a prep session with a leadership team hiring for two senior roles. They had their interview questions sorted.
But when I asked,
“What do you expect top candidates to ask you?” - Silence.
So here’s a test for your team.
Would you be ready if a high-performer asked you this:
What problem is this role actually solving?
What would exceptional performance look like in 90 days?
What surprises new hires once they join?
How does this role connect to your strategy?
What does meaningful career growth look like here?
Where have strong team members moved on to?
These aren’t just questions. They’re filters.
High performers are listening for clarity. For honesty. For real leadership.
And if your answers are vague, misaligned, or feel rehearsed, they’ll walk.
You don’t win top talent by looking smart. You win them by being clear.
If your team can’t answer these questions confidently, you’re not ready to hire top talent.
Pressure test your hiring panel.
Align on expectations before you open the role.
Build confidence on both sides of the table.
Because great candidates aren’t just being interviewed. They’re interviewing you.
P.S. Whenever you're ready, here are two ways I can help you:
1. Get Smarter About Hiring — Weekly Join 1,000+ founders and leaders who read Hiring for Leaders. Practical strategies. No fluff. Straight to your inbox.
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2. Book a 1:1 Hiring Clarity Path Call — If you're making people decisions that feel high-stakes but still a bit fuzzy on how to define success, the Hiring Clarity Path helps you get clear before you start, sharper during interviews, and confident when it counts.
Together we’ll define what great looks like, map what to ask (and listen for), and avoid the kind of mis-hires that slow down growth, shake trust, and waste time.
