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In this episode of the HigherEdJobs Podcast, co-hosts Andy Hibel and Kelly Cherwin dig into a deceptively simple part of the job interview process: the questions candidates ask at the end.
Their conversation draws from longtime HigherEdJobs contributor Justin Zackal’s article, “The One Question That Higher Ed Interviewers Love to Hear.” As Andy read from the opening line, “The question you ask employers at the end of your job interview can make or break your candidacy.” He emphasized that these final minutes shouldn’t be treated as a formality. “The questions at the end of your interview aren’t throwaways — they’re essential,” he said.
Kelly agreed, adding that even when an interview feels thorough, candidates should never say they don’t have questions. Reading from Justin’s article, she shared his reminder: “Don’t ever say, ‘No, I don’t have any questions.’ If the committee is scoring each question, don’t get a zero for ‘Do you have any questions for us?’ Always have a question.”
The episode walks through several examples from Zackal’s piece that help candidates leave a strong impression and gain insight into workplace culture.
Smart questions to ask include:
“What does it take to be a good colleague in your department?” Kelly noted this question helps both sides. It shows curiosity about collaboration and reveals what qualities are valued. “The candidate learns about the culture, and the employer learns about the candidate,” she said.
“What type of people thrive here, and why are they successful?” Andy explained that this approach can help candidates learn what success really looks like. It also signals that you’re thinking about fit and contribution, not just getting hired.
“How do you see the institution’s mission reflected in this role?” As Andy pointed out, this variation demonstrates research and care. “Instead of asking what the mission is,” he said, “you could say, ‘I understand the mission is to further research and educate students. How do you see that coming into practice in this role?'”
Throughout the conversation, Andy and Kelly stressed that timing and tone matter just as much as content. Andy encouraged listeners to think of the end of an interview as a two-way street: “It’s not a good sign if the institution doesn’t give you time for questions. You really want to allow candidates the ability to start a conversation on their own terms, because working with someone is a two-way street.”
They also explored how these questions can reveal more than you might expect. Asking about departmental relationships or collaboration can uncover potential challenges or red flags. “If someone responds negatively about another department,” Kelly said, “that could be a red flag. But if they acknowledge a challenge and show that leadership is addressing it, that demonstrates collaboration and honesty.”
By the end, the takeaway is clear: the right question can help you stand out for the right reasons. As Zackal wrote, being a good colleague is as important as being a qualified one. Interviews aren’t just about showing what you know — they’re about showing how you think, connect, and contribute.
Takeaway for job seekers:
Asking thoughtful, well-timed questions can…
Demonstrate curiosity and preparation.
Reveal the culture and expectations behind the job description.
Help you decide whether you’ll thrive in that department.
This episode is a reminder that interviews aren’t just a test of credentials — they’re a conversation about values and shared purpose. The best candidates don’t wait to be evaluated; they use those closing questions to learn, connect, and show that they’re thinking like future colleagues.
As a reminder, the full transcript of every HigherEdJobs Podcast can be found by clicking on “transcript” next to the episode’s show notes.
Check out the piece by Justin Zackal that inspired this conversation here.
