Google-suggested questions for interviews: do they work?

A former Google recruiter lists his top four questions for candidates to always ask in interviews to set themselves apart. Let’s go through them. One of them I would never ask in a Bay Area in-house interview!

1. “What is the company’s north star for the next 12 months?” I don’t recommend this one. While it’s good to ask about a company’s priorities, don’t use this language. It sounds weird. Even better is to mention what you’ve read, heard, or watched about the company’s top projects/priorities, and ask the interviewer about it. That way you show you have done your homework and can engage in a natural conversation.
2. “What is the common trait of your top performers?” This is an ok question, but you can ask this in context like when the interviewer talks about the makeup of the team and top priorities.
3.  “What’s the one thing you love most about the culture?” It’s an ok question, but I don’t see how it sets you apart.
4. “What problem do you want me to solve in the first 30 days?” Again, an ok question but you should have a good idea since Legal usually only hires if they have a pressing need. The question makes most sense if you’re interviewing to replace someone.

Remember: your goal is show you are interested and have done your homework, that you understand the job (so the questions don’t seem canned), and that you are great to work with (so make the interview a fre-flowing conversation).