Lesson on Questions to Ask Hiring Managers

Game of Thrones fans all over the world have been anticipating and preparing themselves for the eighth and final season. Filled with unknown expectations generated by the hype of the surrounding “Throne” culture. You know…this excitement (oddly enough) is similar at the end of an interview. However, you are the one in control because you are prepared. We are talking about the interviewer asking, “What questions do you have for me?”

Yes, this happens at the end of EVERY interview. This shouldn’t be a surprise. If you have read some of our previous blog posts, you will have recognized preparation is key. DO NOT fly by the seat of your pants and hope appropriate inquiries will magically pop into your head. Write down questions beforehand. Also, make sure to prepare questions for a variety of people that might be interviewing you. A question you ask the Vice President or Manager will be different from an employee currently in the role. Always have back-up questions just in case the ones you had planned inadvertently are answered during the interview.

1. What Do You Enjoy Most About This Role and/or Company?

Appropriate with any level of management. This question gives you the opportunity to create a personal connection through prompting their unique story and unscripted opinion.

Pro tip: Keep a mental note of their response. When writing your “Thank You” email, you’ll have information that provides mental recall to the conversation they had with you.

2. What Characteristics Make Employees Successful in This Role?

Shows you strive to make an impact. Demonstrates the desire to move up in the company. Most importantly, their answer will set the tone on the expectations you generate for yourself.

3. What Growth Opportunities are Available?

I know, we are all wondering when can I move up to a higher position and make more money? By phrasing it around opportunities, this gives the hiring manager the option to further explain their organizations professional development plans to land a promotion. Obviously, some companies offer more options for growth than others do. Keep that in mind while making your search.

4. What Does This Role Look Like Day-to-Day?

Remember, you are interviewing them just as much! It is better to learn this information upfront. Finding out that you are required to up sell to clients or that you are tied to phone/email everyday may change your perspective on the job. They may require more traveling than the job description led on or more collaboration than you are interested in.

5. What Are Our Next Steps?

It is very appropriate to ask for an understanding on when the company plans to fill the role, the expectation around the start date and if there are additional interviews to be expected.

Looking for other ideas on the interview process and questions to ask? Add on a mock interview or interview coaching to any ResumeHub package for questions that you can ask in your next interview! You can find out more about our services and packages here.

5 Best Questions to ask in your Next Interview