INTRODUCTION:
A job seeker asked, “What are four questions that I could ask a hiring manager during my interview?”
INITIAL RESPONSE:
Proper job interview etiquette teaches us that asking questions during a job interview is required. Not doing so will greatly lesson the likelihood of our getting a job offer. It really doesn’t matter if we sprinkle them throughout the meeting or save them until the end. The challenge is deciding what questions to ask for the most positive impact.
Just as with the other stages of the job interview process, you must prepare for your success. So, you need to learn as much as you can about the company. Then develop at least three to four questions that let the interviewer know that you take your candidacy seriously. Below, are more than four suggestions to get you off to a great start.
TYPES OF QUESTIONS TO ASK:
About the Job:
Ask questions about the job that the interviewer has not already answered. Or, ask follow-up questions to the information that they have already shared with you. You might ask questions like, “Who will I work with most closely in this role?” or “Have the core responsibilities for this position changed since it was first filled? If so, how so?”
About Success Indicators/Performance Assessments:
You should always find out how your performance will be measured. That way, you can make sure to do your work in the way that best supports your organization’s mission, vision, and values. And, No, the interview is not too early to ask, “What will be my 30, 60, 90 day success milestones?” Also ask, “How often will you formally review my performance.”
About the Company Culture:
Learning about the company’s workplace culture can help you decide pretty quickly if it is the right for you as an employee. So, consider asking questions such as, “Which one of your organization’s values do you feel it best exhibits? How?”
About Collaboration Across the Organization:
When you are allowed to work across collaborate with colleagues across the organization, you grow professionally. You are likely also a more fulfilled employee. You tend to also understand the business better. So, think about asking, “Which other department does this position work most closely with?” Another good one might be, “What are the current goals that the company is focused on, and how does this team work to support hitting those goals?” Or you can ask, “How would you describe the work environment here—is the work typically collaborative or more independent?” If you’re someone who likes to collaborate with others. The position might not be the best fit for you if it will require you to work independently most of the time.
About Opportunities for Career Advancement:
As much as you might want to work for a certain employer. You likely do not want to remain in the same position forever. So, make it a point to inquire about the internal career path for someone in your position of interest. Ask, “Where have successful employees previously in this position progressed to?” Or, “How does the organization support employees’ professional development for success on the job?”
About the Company’s History and Plans for the Future:
Just like employees, a company seldom wants to stay at the same level forever. So, ask about plans for expansion. You can do so by asking, “I’ve read about the company’s founding, but can you tell me more about…(you fill in the blank)?”
Ask Questions that Create a Connection Between You and the Interviewer:
Your new manager will likely be among those with whom you interview. So, if possible, try to connect with them during the interview process. This will help them to envision you doing the job. Asking, “What is one project that your team has not yet been able to complete and why is it so important to you?” will increase your candidate value proposition ten-fold. Why? Because that lets them know that you will strive to make your superiors and your team look good. You can also learn a lot about their values by asking the question, “Why do you enjoy working here?“
IN CONCLUSION:
Bottom line is, you want the interviewer to remember you in a positive light long after your interview is over. So, do your homework and ask thought-provoking, respectfully probing questions when you have the floor. Your performance at the end of the interview could win you the job offer. So, don’t underestimate its importance. Visit “20 Smart Questions to Ask At The End of Your Next Interview” for more recommended questions to ask during your next interview. Review them and tweak the selected ones to fit your needs for your job search.
I hope that this information helps you to achieve your job search success. If you found it helpful, please share it with others. Remember, my goal is to help everyone to live their best career life. Then, wherever you’re viewing, subscribe for future job search success secrets. Then, like it and scroll down and comment or ask a question. I’d love to hear from you.
I’m Cynthia O, and as always, Job Search Success to You. Go Get Your New Job!
