Interview Success: Questions to Ask During an Interview

When you’re interviewing for another position, keep in mind that you’re interviewing the hiring manager, team, and company as well. Gain as much information as possible to make well-informed decisions if an offer is extended.

Asking insightful questions during an interview can help you determine if the company and role are a good fit for you. Here’s a list of thoughtful questions to ask a hiring manager:

For Understanding the Role and Responsibilities:

1. Can you describe a typical day or week in this role?

2. What are the immediate challenges or priorities that need to be addressed in this position?

3. How will my performance be measured and evaluated?

4. Is this a newly created position or a backfill?

For Evaluating the Team and Work Environment:

1. Can you tell me about the team I would be working with? What are their backgrounds and working styles?

2. How would you describe the company culture and team dynamics here?

3. What’s the management style of the person I’ll be reporting to?

4. How does the team determine success?

For Assessing Opportunities for Growth and Development:

1. What opportunities are there for professional development and career advancement within the company?

2. How do you support employees in achieving their career goals?

3. Can you provide examples of how others in this role have progressed or advanced within the company?

For Gaining Insight into Company Values and Goals:

1. What are the company’s short-term and long-term goals? How does this role contribute to those goals?

2. What do you consider to be the company’s core values, and how are they reflected in the day-to-day operations?

3. How does the company support work-life balance and employee well-being?

For Understanding Expectations and Challenges:

1. What are the key projects or initiatives that the person in this role will be involved with in the first six months?

2. What are some of the biggest challenges facing the team or department right now?

3. What are the expectations for the person in this role in the first 90 days?

For Clarifying the Hiring Process and Next Steps:

1. What are the next steps in the hiring process, and when can I expect to hear back?

2. Are there any additional skills or experiences you’re looking for that we haven’t covered yet?

3. How does the team typically onboard new employees, and what does the training process look like?

For Exploring Company Culture and Team Dynamics:

1. How does the company foster collaboration and communication among team members?

2. Can you share more about how the company supports diversity and inclusion within the workplace?

3. What are some recent successes or milestones that the team or company has achieved?

For Understanding the Impact and Influence:

1. How does this role interact with other departments or teams within the company?

2. What kind of impact or contributions are you hoping to see from someone in this position?

3. How is feedback typically given and received within the team or company?

These questions can help you get a clearer picture of the role, the team, and the company culture, ensuring that you make a well-informed decision if an offer is extended.