Fundamental Questions to Ask a Manager During an Interview
The workforce is ever increasing with people who have excellent skills and high values to add to an organization. While organizations on their own are in search of the best and capable hands that will enable them to achieve their goals. For both the job seeker and employer, the interview period is where it all begins, or maybe ends.
For most people who go to interviews, the foremost thing on their mind is to answer whatever questions they are asked so that they could get the job. It is usually one side and unwise route to take because you could end up with hidden clauses that might be detrimental along the line.
“So, you think that I should ask the hiring manager questions?”
Yes, you should! These are my reasons: When you ask these insightful questions during a job interview, you put yourself out there as a professional who is thoughtful and committed to his job. It also allows you to further highlight some of your skills (especially communication skills), and to show the employer that you are a terrific match for the job. When you do not ask any questions, some hiring managers may see you as unprepared or disinterested.
It will take a lot of preparation and brainstorming to come up with brilliant questions. Do extensive research about the company, industry, and recent developments about your prospective role. As a rule of thumb, try to prepare as many questions as possible because some of them may be answered during the interview. Avoid asking Yes or No questions and questions that require full answers; these types of questions will cut off rapport and may sometimes come off as awkward. Just stick with focused and open-ended questions to be on the safe side. It may also be helpful to jot down notes during the interview that you can craft your questions.
Please stay clear of getting personal with the HR team. Somehow this statement reminds me of a twitter buzz that trended a few months ago. A young man after his interview told one of the hiring managers that she smelled nice. While this may be a harmless compliment to some people, it might come off as disrespectful and downright tardy. The hiring manager took offense and made a post on twitter to make a point, which did not turn out nice for her. To always be safe, avoid personal questions, and compliments, especially towards the opposite sex unless the interviewer instigates it. Some people choose to negotiate salary at this time; well, in my own opinion, that is the wrong timing. Let them ask during the interview. But if they do not ask, chime it in when the interview is about to be wrapped up. With this strategy, you will not come off as someone just interested in the paycheck.
The opportunity to ask questions will always come at the end of the interview in these formats: “Do you have any questions for me” or ‘What can I answer for you?”
Not sure of what to ask, these are seven great questions to ask a hiring manager.
1. What do I have to do to succeed in this role?
As someone about to go for an interview, you should see yourself as an investment to your employer because you would be generating value for the company in return for your salary. To achieve this, it is expected that you exceed the performance indicators. When you ask a question like this, you are telling the hiring manager that you don’t want the job that you want to thrive in your position.
2. Can you tell me more about the day-to-day responsibilities of this job?
By asking this question, you get a grasp of the day to day tasks, specific skills, and strengths needed to address any topics that haven’t been covered. This allows you to learn as much as possible and to ascertain if this is the job you want.
3. What is the history of this position?
This is an important question to ask the hiring manager because it enables you to know the environment that has been affected and shaped by your predecessor. If it is a new position, it allows you to know your role and understand your responsibilities better. If you are interviewing a job that was left vacant by someone, try to ascertain why he or she left. It is also good to clarify if the company is considering internal candidates for this position.
4. Describe the culture of the company?
This question enables you to understand the dynamics of the company. It also gives you an insight into the social aspect of a company and the relationship between the co-workers. With this information, you will know how to fit in, and decipher if you will work long-term or short term.
5. Are they opportunities for professional development, if there are, what do they look like?
A question like this tells you if the company is dedicated to learning and development. It also tells you that a company is dedicated to seeing you grow while you offer values to them.
6. Who are your biggest competitors?
Before the interview, you should research the company’s competitors, but it will be useful to ask the interviewers for their thoughts. You are armed with first-hand insight; you will not be able to find anywhere.
7. Where do you think the company is headed in the next five years?
If you see yourself working with this company for an extended period, this question will show you if the company is committed to growing and getting better.
8. What would you term successful in a role like this? How do you measure it?
It is imperative to understand what the company measures as a success. What are their Key Performance Indicators (KPI) for the role? How are they measured, and how often are they measured?
9. What are the most challenging aspects of this job?
Every job comes with their most tasking areas. It is also essential to understand the scale of problems you’ll be dealing with so that you can adequately prepare yourself.
10. Is overtime expected, and are there sacrifices I have to make?
Most organizations never tell you, but due to the bulk of work, extra days may be included. This helps you make sensible decisions if you are married and have a family to take care of.
11. Is there anything about my background or resume that might portray me as unfit for the job?
This question gives you room to respond to any red flags that may pop up when they scrutinize your resume. It also proves that you’re highly invested in the job and are committed to understanding your prospects as a candidate.
12. What are the next steps in the interview process?
With this question, you will gain information about the timeline for hiring so that you can follow up appropriately. It also shows that you are eager to move forward in the process.
While asking questions, also try asking job-related questions to your interviewer, the answers they give will serve as indicators for you as well.
13. What is your favorite part about working at the company?
It is expedient to get to know the opinions of your interviewer concerning the company. With this question, note if the enthusiasm flows smoothly. If it flows, it is a great sign, and if it doesn’t, it is also worth noting too.
A great interview should be like a game of tennis, where there is a lot of back and forth questions that are answered. Everyone involved in the interview should come away being satisfied; above all, however, leave the best impression.
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