# Ask specific questions that reveal the real role

- Category: mindset
- Author: Flavius D. (https://indie.md/people/flavius/)
- Source: https://indie.md/events/indie-tm-7-timisoara-april-2026/
- Canonical URL: https://indie.md/advice/interview-specific-questions/

Generic interview questions ("tell me about yourself," "what are your weaknesses") produce rehearsed answers and almost no signal. Two questions that consistently produce the opposite are "What does a typical day look like in this role?" and "What separates a great hire from an average one?" The first forces the hiring manager to describe the real job instead of the job description. The second forces them to articulate the dimension on which people actually succeed or fail. Use the answers to design the rest of the interview. If a hiring manager cannot answer either clearly, the role is not ready to be filled.