How to Ask for Interview Questions in Advance
Strategic approaches to requesting interview questions beforehand, demonstrating professionalism while maximizing your preparation and performance during the interview process.
1Would it be possible to receive a general overview of the interview format and topics we'll be discussing?
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Would it be possible to receive a general overview of the interview format and topics we'll be discussing?
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Why this works
Shows you're thinking strategically about preparation while being respectful of their process and not asking for specific questions.
2Could you share any specific areas or competencies you'd like me to focus on during my preparation?
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Could you share any specific areas or competencies you'd like me to focus on during my preparation?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your commitment to thorough preparation while giving them a chance to highlight key areas without revealing exact questions.
3What would be most helpful for me to review or prepare before our conversation?
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What would be most helpful for me to review or prepare before our conversation?
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Why this works
Shows initiative and preparation mindset while giving them control over what information to share.
4Are there any particular case studies, scenarios, or technical topics I should be familiar with?
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Are there any particular case studies, scenarios, or technical topics I should be familiar with?
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Why this works
Reveals their approach to assessment while showing you understand different interview formats and want to prepare appropriately.
5Would it be helpful if I prepared examples of my work or specific projects to discuss?
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Would it be helpful if I prepared examples of my work or specific projects to discuss?
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Why this works
Shows you're thinking about adding value to the conversation while giving them a chance to guide your preparation.
6What background information about the role and team would be most valuable for me to research?
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What background information about the role and team would be most valuable for me to research?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your interest in understanding the context while showing you want to come prepared with relevant knowledge.
7Are there any specific skills or experiences you'd like me to highlight or be ready to discuss?
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Are there any specific skills or experiences you'd like me to highlight or be ready to discuss?
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Why this works
Shows you want to align your preparation with their priorities while giving them control over the focus areas.
8Would it be possible to know the approximate length and structure of the interview?
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Would it be possible to know the approximate length and structure of the interview?
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Why this works
Helps you prepare appropriately for the time commitment while showing you're thinking about the logistics.
9Are there any particular challenges or projects the team is currently working on that I should know about?
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Are there any particular challenges or projects the team is currently working on that I should know about?
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Why this works
Shows you're thinking about how you can contribute while giving them a chance to share relevant context.
10What would make this interview most valuable for both of us?
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What would make this interview most valuable for both of us?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your collaborative mindset while giving them a chance to share their goals for the conversation.
11Are there any specific questions you'd like me to prepare to ask about the role or company?
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Are there any specific questions you'd like me to prepare to ask about the role or company?
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Why this works
Shows you're thinking about the two-way nature of interviews while giving them a chance to guide your question preparation.
12Would it be helpful if I prepared a brief presentation or portfolio to share?
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Would it be helpful if I prepared a brief presentation or portfolio to share?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your proactive approach while giving them a chance to suggest or decline additional preparation.
13What's the best way for me to prepare to make the most of our time together?
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What's the best way for me to prepare to make the most of our time together?
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Why this works
Shows you value their time while giving them control over how much guidance to provide.
14Are there any particular aspects of the company culture or values I should be familiar with?
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Are there any particular aspects of the company culture or values I should be familiar with?
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Why this works
Shows you're thinking about cultural fit while giving them a chance to highlight important organizational aspects.
15Would it be possible to know who else will be participating in the interview process?
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Would it be possible to know who else will be participating in the interview process?
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Why this works
Helps you prepare for different perspectives while showing you're thinking about the full interview experience.
16Are there any specific tools, technologies, or methodologies I should be prepared to discuss?
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Are there any specific tools, technologies, or methodologies I should be prepared to discuss?
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Why this works
Shows you understand technical interviews while giving them a chance to highlight relevant technical areas.
17What would be most helpful for me to know about the team dynamics and working style?
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What would be most helpful for me to know about the team dynamics and working style?
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Why this works
Shows you're thinking about collaboration while giving them a chance to share relevant team context.
18Are there any particular challenges or opportunities the department is facing that I should understand?
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Are there any particular challenges or opportunities the department is facing that I should understand?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your strategic thinking while giving them a chance to share relevant business context.
19Would it be possible to know if there will be any practical exercises or assessments during the interview?
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Would it be possible to know if there will be any practical exercises or assessments during the interview?
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Why this works
Helps you prepare for different interview formats while showing you understand various assessment methods.
20What's the best way for me to demonstrate my fit for this role during our conversation?
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What's the best way for me to demonstrate my fit for this role during our conversation?
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Why this works
Shows you want to align your approach with their expectations while giving them a chance to share what they value most.
Best Practices for Requesting Interview Preparation Information
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Frame It as Preparation, Not Cheating
Position your request as wanting to prepare thoroughly rather than trying to get an unfair advantage. Show you want to make the most of everyone's time.
Be Specific About What You Need
Ask for specific types of information rather than generic preparation advice. This shows you've thought about what would actually be helpful.
Show Value in Your Approach
Demonstrate how your preparation will benefit both parties by allowing for a more focused and productive conversation.
Question Sequences
The Preparation Partnership Sequence
The Context Discovery Sequence
Common Pitfalls
Don't Ask for Exact Questions
Avoid requesting specific interview questions as this can appear unprofessional and may make them uncomfortable. Focus on preparation guidance instead.
Don't Make It Sound Like You Need Help
Frame your request as wanting to prepare thoroughly rather than needing assistance. Show confidence in your abilities while demonstrating preparation mindset.
Don't Overwhelm Them with Requests
Keep your request focused and reasonable. Don't ask for too much information at once, as this can seem demanding or overwhelming.