Part of the SMART Interviewing Series by Cari Borden

Let’s get one thing straight, an interview is not an audition. It’s a two-way conversation. So why are most candidates still acting like they’re on “The Bachelor,” just hoping to get a rose?

It’s time to flip the script.
You’re not just trying to get the job. You’re trying to make sure this is a place worth giving your time, energy, and peace of mind.

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🎯 Use SMART to Flip the Interview Script

You’ve heard of preparing for their questions. Now let’s prep for yours, the ones that tell you everything their Glassdoor page conveniently forgot.

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S – Specific
Ask questions tied directly to the role or team. Skip the “What’s your culture like?” fluff.

“You mentioned cross-functional collaboration—how does that typically play out between this role and the sales team?”

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M – Meaningful
Dig into values, vision, and leadership. You’re not there to just fit in. You’re there to contribute.

“What does success in this role look like in the first 90 days?”
“How does leadership support professional development here?”

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A – Accountability-Focused
You want to work with people who own outcomes, not just delegate blame.

“Can you give an example of a time the team had to course-correct on a project, and how that was handled?”

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R – Real Talk
This is where you test for psychological safety, honesty, and cultural cues.

“What’s something people find surprising after joining your team?”
“When’s the last time feedback changed how something was done here?”

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T – Transparency-Driven
Ask questions that push past buzzwords into how the sausage is actually made.

“What’s something you wish candidates asked more often?”
“What’s the biggest challenge someone in this role would need to navigate?”

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🚩 Red Flags to Watch For When You Flip the Script:

• They get defensive or vague.
• They say, “We’re like a family.” (Run.)
• They dodge transparency with phrases like “We’re still figuring that out.”
• They talk over you or dismiss your questions as “advanced” or “better for once you’re hired.”

Spoiler alert: if they’re annoyed that you’re asking smart questions now, imagine what it’ll be like once you’re on payroll.

You’re not just looking for a paycheck, you’re looking for a place to thrive. So, ask like it. Interviewing the interviewer isn’t rude, arrogant, or overstepping. It’s SMART.

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📢 Want help prepping your own “reverse interview” strategy?
Let’s build your power questions together.
🔗 Book me on Fiverr to get started.

Here are a couple of books I think you can appreciate. Job Interviewing For Dummies, Knock’em Dead Job Interview.