Written by Cari Borden

Let’s cut to it: interviews have turned into scripted performances. You’re asked the same tired questions, and you’re expected to dazzle like you haven’t rehearsed them 37 times in the mirror.
But what if the real power move isn’t just answering the questions, what if it’s asking the right ones?

Welcome to Interviewing the Company, where you flip the script and figure out if they’re even worthy of you. And we’re doing it the SMART way.

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💡 Why This Matters

Too many people walk into interviews thinking, “I hope they pick me.”
But here’s the twist: you’re interviewing them too.
This is your career, your peace of mind, and your future. You deserve to assess:

• Will I be supported here?
• Is leadership emotionally intelligent, or emotionally absent?
• Do they care about people or just performance?

Now, let’s get strategic with it.

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🧠 Use SMART to Assess the Company

S – Self-Awareness

Ask yourself and them:

• What kind of leader do I need to thrive?
• Can you tell me about how you support different work styles and personalities?

Red flag alert: If they stumble here, it might signal they don’t value individuality or adaptability.

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M – Mindset

Check if their mindset aligns with growth and learning:

• “Can you share how your team handles mistakes or setbacks?”
• “What does development look like here beyond onboarding?”

If they say, “We just expect people to get it,” you already know.

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A – Accountability

Hold them accountable for the culture they’ve created:

• “What’s one thing employees have called out that you’ve actually changed?”
• “How do you measure success beyond metrics?”

Look for receipts, not rehearsed responses.

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R – Relationships

Culture is people, not perks. Ask:

• “What’s the leadership team’s approach to building trust?”
• “How do managers typically give feedback?”

If their answer includes the words “open door policy” but no actual practices… beware.

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T – Transparency

Push past the polish:

• “What’s one challenge this team is currently facing?”
• “What would someone not like about working here?”

If they dance around the truth like it’s a PR audition, take note.

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💬 The Final Flip

Remember: how they answer is as important as what they answer.
Are they rushed, annoyed, vague? Or are they thoughtful, engaged, and honest?

Interviewing isn’t just about selling yourself. It’s about protecting your sanity, energy, and future.

If you’re tired of being the one always prepping for the same questions, flip the power back.
Need help building your SMART interview strategy or prepping for a high-stakes convo?
🎯 I got you. Find me on Fiverr, let’s create your interview game plan.
📥 Like, share, or forward this to someone who’s about to walk into their next “opportunity.”