The difference between a good employee

Lucas loves this question because it’s a covert way to get a glimpse into whether a company’s core values, like innovation or creativity, are aligned with yours. "Most jobs can be done 100 different ways, but a company’s culture—or even a specific department’s culture—often dictates what’s important," she says.

So what should you hear? Answers that involve working well with others, being a great communicator and being an effective leader.

As for red-flag responses to watch out for, be wary if an interviewer mentions traits that sound like unattainable personal victories—such as winning a lot of awards and being chummy with the CEO—or the ability to exceed results-driven expectations at all times