In our business and in the media and marketing world, we spend a lot of time polishing our CVs and rehearsing our greatest achievements until we sound like a real life Linkedin page.

But here’s the thing, an interview isn’t just a chance for the company to get to know you, it’s your chance to get to know them too!

At Think Differently, we believe that finding your next move shouldn’t be a leap of faith. It should be a strategic alignment of what you love and where you can actually make an impact.

Before you commit your time to an interview, here are five questions to ask your recruiter to ensure the role is actually worth your time.

1.”Is this a brand-new role, or replacing someone who’s moved on?”

If it’s new, you’re likely a pioneer. Expect autonomy and the chance to shape things. If someone’s moved on, ask about their journey. Were they promoted internally? Did they take on a fresh challenge elsewhere? Each answer gives you helpful context for your decision.

2. How does the company define ‘success’ after six months?”

You want to know what are the most important skills or experiences the hiring manager is looking for. This question ensures that your definition of ‘success’ matches theirs.

3. “What’s the team culture actually like?”

Forget the ping-pong tables and the office beer tap! Yyou want to know about the people. Are they a group that brainstorms over coffee, or do they prefer heads-down focus time? At Think Differently, we’re big on culture add rather than culture fit. You want a place genuinely excited by what makes you different, not somewhere just looking to fill a seat.

4. “What can you tell me about the hiring manager’s style?”

Another one relating to culture but just as important. Your day-to-day experience at a job is shaped heavily by the person you report to. It would be good to know their style to ensure it matches yours.

5. “Is the company scaling fast?”

If it is, great! This infers that there’s lots of opportunity for progression. You can ask about that too!  A transparent recruiter will give you the context you need to understand the urgency and the opportunity.

PS: (A secret 6th question!) Don’t forget to ask about the interview process, how many rounds, presentations etc.

Looking for your next move in media or marketing? Browse our current roles or get in touch for a confidential chat.