The interview is also YOUR chance to vet the employer.

Most people walk into an interview with a single question in mind: how do I convince the other side of me? That's only half the truth. An interview is just as much your chance to find out whether you even want to go there.

Many don't dare to ask critical questions, afraid of coming across as awkward. In fact the opposite is true: good questions show maturity and real interest, not cheek.

A few questions that tell you a lot: why is the position open right now, was someone promoted or did someone leave? What does decision-making in the team actually look like, quick and direct, or across many levels? How are mistakes handled, is there a concrete example from the recent past?

The answers, or the hesitation before answering, often tell you more than any glossy careers page. If a manager dodges the question about how they handle mistakes, that's information you should take with you.

Go into your next interview knowing: you're not only there to be assessed. You're just as much assessing whether this company deserves your time and energy. That attitude changes not only what you ask, but also how confident you come across throughout the whole conversation.