▸ WHAT IT REVEALSHidden information, final impression, last-mile self-advocacy.▸ GOOD ANSWER LOOKS LIKEUses it well — adds something relevant not covered. Or passes gracefully.▸ RED FLAGSBrings up a red flag or re-covers ground already addressed.▸ FOLLOW-UP PROBE[Wrap up the call naturally based on what they share.]

▸ WHAT IT REVEALSSelf-positioning, confidence, differentiation.▸ GOOD ANSWER LOOKS LIKESpecific and honest. Ties unique combination of skills to role needs.▸ RED FLAGSVague ('I'm a hard worker, a team player'). No differentiation.▸ FOLLOW-UP PROBEIf I spoke to your last manager today, what would they say sets you apart?

▸ WHAT IT REVEALSEmotional resilience, ego management.▸ GOOD ANSWER LOOKS LIKEComfortable. Can cite an example. Distinguishes feedback on work vs. self.▸ RED FLAGSGets defensive. Focuses on whether the feedback was fair vs. how they responded.▸ FOLLOW-UP PROBETell me about the harshest feedback you've received.

▸ WHAT IT REVEALSCareer ambition, whether this role is stepping stone or destination.▸ GOOD ANSWER LOOKS LIKEClear direction that's plausible and partially aligned with what you offer.▸ RED FLAGS'I haven't really thought about it' or wildly misaligned with the role.▸ FOLLOW-UP PROBEWhat's the gap between where you are now and that goal?

▸ WHAT IT REVEALSAutonomy, comfort with uncertainty, proactivity.▸ GOOD ANSWER LOOKS LIKETakes initiative to clarify, makes reasonable assumptions, documents decisions.▸ RED FLAGSWaits for someone to tell them what to do. Gets visibly uncomfortable.▸ FOLLOW-UP PROBEGive me an example of a time you made a decision with incomplete info.

▸ WHAT IT REVEALSCollaboration skills and cross-functional maturity.▸ GOOD ANSWER LOOKS LIKESpecific examples of navigating different priorities or stakeholders.▸ RED FLAGS'I just focus on my own work.' Minimal cross-functional experience.▸ FOLLOW-UP PROBETell me about a cross-functional project that almost fell apart.

▸ WHAT IT REVEALSIntegrity, self-awareness, any sensitive topics.▸ GOOD ANSWER LOOKS LIKEAddresses relevant items matter-of-factly without over-explaining.▸ RED FLAGSBecomes defensive or dismissive of legitimate concerns.▸ FOLLOW-UP PROBE[Only dig in if the answer reveals something worth exploring.]

▸ WHAT IT REVEALSManagement style fit; what kind of support they need.▸ GOOD ANSWER LOOKS LIKESpecific: regular 1:1s, clear goals, autonomy with check-ins, etc.▸ RED FLAGS'I don't really need much' — signals potential isolation or overconfidence.▸ FOLLOW-UP PROBETell me about the best manager you've had and why.

▸ WHAT IT REVEALSReal-time buy-in and what might be holding them back.▸ GOOD ANSWER LOOKS LIKEHigh score + explains why. Or honest lower score with clear reasons.▸ RED FLAGSSays 10 with no reasoning. Or hesitates and can't explain.▸ FOLLOW-UP PROBEWhat would make it a 10?

▸ WHAT IT REVEALSCuriosity, preparation, seriousness of interest.▸ GOOD ANSWER LOOKS LIKESpecific, intelligent questions about role, team, or challenges.▸ RED FLAGS'Nope, I think you covered it.' Shows low interest.▸ FOLLOW-UP PROBE[Follow their question naturally.]

▸ WHAT IT REVEALSProblem-solving depth and ability to articulate it.▸ GOOD ANSWER LOOKS LIKEClear problem framing, approach, and measurable outcome.▸ RED FLAGSCan't clearly articulate the problem or outcome is vague.▸ FOLLOW-UP PROBEWhat would you do differently with hindsight?

▸ WHAT IT REVEALSCuriosity, initiative, professional development habits.▸ GOOD ANSWER LOOKS LIKESpecific sources: newsletters, communities, projects, courses. Names them.▸ RED FLAGS'I just learn on the job.' No evidence of proactive learning.▸ FOLLOW-UP PROBEWhat's the most useful thing you've learned in the last 6 months?

▸ WHAT IT REVEALSHonesty, what they did with the time, readiness to return.▸ GOOD ANSWER LOOKS LIKEDirect explanation. Productive use of time. Self-aware.▸ RED FLAGSDefensive, shame-based, or clearly unprepared for the question.▸ FOLLOW-UP PROBEWhat did you take away from that period?

▸ WHAT IT REVEALSPatterns of departure, honesty, professional maturity.▸ GOOD ANSWER LOOKS LIKEHonest without being political. Shows learning from each move.▸ RED FLAGSBlame, vague answers, or story that doesn't add up.▸ FOLLOW-UP PROBEWhat did you learn about what you need in a workplace from that?

▸ WHAT IT REVEALSCommunication and feedback preferences.▸ GOOD ANSWER LOOKS LIKESpecific: direct, timely, with examples. Shows maturity.▸ RED FLAGSOnly wants positive feedback. Can't describe a style.▸ FOLLOW-UP PROBETell me about a time feedback changed how you worked.

▸ WHAT IT REVEALSManagement experience scope and quality.▸ GOOD ANSWER LOOKS LIKESpecific team size, outcomes, how they grew or supported their team.▸ RED FLAGSOverstates scope or has never managed but claims leadership.▸ FOLLOW-UP PROBEWhat's the hardest part of managing people for you?

▸ WHAT IT REVEALSWhether they've thought about the role beyond the interview.▸ GOOD ANSWER LOOKS LIKERealistic, specific. Shows they've researched the role and company context.▸ RED FLAGSToo vague ('ramp up, learn the team') or unrealistically ambitious.▸ FOLLOW-UP PROBEWhat's the one thing you'd need from us to hit that?

▸ WHAT IT REVEALSGrowth mindset, honesty, self-awareness.▸ GOOD ANSWER LOOKS LIKEGenuine weakness + concrete steps being taken to improve it.▸ RED FLAGSDisguised strength ('I work too hard'). Deflects or dismisses the question.▸ FOLLOW-UP PROBEWhat triggered you to start working on that?

▸ WHAT IT REVEALSSelf-awareness and relevance to the role.▸ GOOD ANSWER LOOKS LIKESpecific strengths backed by examples. Tied to the role they're applying for.▸ RED FLAGSGeneric (hardworking, passionate). No evidence or examples offered.▸ FOLLOW-UP PROBEWhich of those three has had the biggest impact on your career?

▸ WHAT IT REVEALSCulture fit, remote/hybrid preference, work style.▸ GOOD ANSWER LOOKS LIKESpecific about conditions: feedback style, autonomy, collaboration.▸ RED FLAGSVague platitudes. Or describes an environment opposite to yours.▸ FOLLOW-UP PROBECan you give an example of a time your environment held you back?

▸ WHAT IT REVEALSSelf-awareness, relationship quality with manager.▸ GOOD ANSWER LOOKS LIKEBalanced, honest. Specific strengths + acknowledges areas of growth.▸ RED FLAGSOnly praise with no nuance. Or clearly strained relationship.▸ FOLLOW-UP PROBEHow would that differ from how your teammates describe you?

▸ WHAT IT REVEALSPractical logistics; commitment to current employer.▸ GOOD ANSWER LOOKS LIKEClear answer. Willingness to negotiate if needed.▸ RED FLAGSImmediately available with no explanation.▸ FOLLOW-UP PROBEWould there be any situation where you could start earlier?

▸ WHAT IT REVEALSUrgency, market demand, how far along they are.▸ GOOD ANSWER LOOKS LIKETransparent, professional. Gives a sense of their timeline.▸ RED FLAGSLies or is cagey in a way that creates distrust.▸ FOLLOW-UP PROBEWhat's driving the timing of your search right now?

▸ WHAT IT REVEALSAlignment between their goals and what you're offering.▸ GOOD ANSWER LOOKS LIKESpecific on scope, environment, and growth — aligns with the role.▸ RED FLAGSToo vague or reveals a mismatch with the role's reality.▸ FOLLOW-UP PROBEWhere do you see this role fitting in your 3-year plan?

▸ WHAT IT REVEALSWhether there's a gap; negotiation style.▸ GOOD ANSWER LOOKS LIKEOpen, matter-of-fact, knows their worth without being rigid.▸ RED FLAGSRefuses to share range, or gives wildly misaligned number.▸ FOLLOW-UP PROBEWhat matters more to you — base or total comp? Why?

▸ WHAT IT REVEALSClarity of ownership, scope, and impact.▸ GOOD ANSWER LOOKS LIKESpecific responsibilities + quantified outcomes. Clear sense of ownership.▸ RED FLAGSVague. Talks about team efforts without personal contribution.▸ FOLLOW-UP PROBEWhat were the 3 things only you could have done in that role?

▸ WHAT IT REVEALSWhether they've thought beyond 'it sounds interesting.'▸ GOOD ANSWER LOOKS LIKEClear link between their skills, growth goals, and what this role offers.▸ RED FLAGSGeneric excitement. Can't articulate what's unique about this role vs others.▸ FOLLOW-UP PROBEWhat about this role excites you that your current one doesn't offer?

▸ WHAT IT REVEALSPreparation effort and genuine interest level.▸ GOOD ANSWER LOOKS LIKESpecific and recent: product, customers, news, mission. Connects it to their goals.▸ RED FLAGSGeneric answer from the homepage. Can't name the product or industry.▸ FOLLOW-UP PROBEWhat stood out most when you were researching us?

▸ WHAT IT REVEALSReal motivation — push vs pull factors.▸ GOOD ANSWER LOOKS LIKEHonest mix of push and pull. Forward-looking, not bitter.▸ RED FLAGSOnly badmouths current employer. Vague or evasive.▸ FOLLOW-UP PROBEWhat would have to change at your current company for you to stay?

▸ WHAT IT REVEALSCommunication style, narrative clarity, what they highlight.▸ GOOD ANSWER LOOKS LIKEConcise (90 sec), structured arc: past > present > future. Ties to the role.▸ RED FLAGSRambles, reads off resume, no clear thread.▸ FOLLOW-UP PROBEWhat part of that journey are you most proud of?