The Impact of Candidate-Initiated Questions on Job Interview Outcomes: A Study of Employer Perceptions and Candidate Engagement
Nilesh Kumar Mishra
Assistant Professor
WitWaves Journal of Multidisciplinary Research, Volume 2, Issue 6, 2025, be5ff146-c1a9-445e-8dde-6d503223255d
Published: 01 June 2025
Abstract
In today's competitive job market, the job interview process has evolved beyond a one-sided evaluation of candidates to a more interactive dialogue. This study explores the role of candidate-initiated questions during job interviews and their impact on both interview outcomes and employer perceptions. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research surveyed 100 recent job candidates and 50 hiring managers, supplemented with in-depth interviews from 20 participants. The findings reveal that candidates who ask thoughtful, role-specific questions are viewed more favourably by employers, with 84% of interviewers indicating that such questions demonstrate preparedness, engagement, and interest in the role. Furthermore, candidates who ask questions about organizational culture, performance evaluation, and work flexibility are more likely to receive job offers. However, a significant proportion of candidates (28%) fail to ask questions due to nervousness or lack of preparation, which may hinder their chances of success. The study highlights the importance of preparing meaningful questions to enhance interview performance and decision-making. This research contributes to a better understanding of the interview process and offers recommendations for both job seekers and employers to foster more effective and engaging hiring practices.
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