7 Questions to Ask the Hiring Manager During a Job Interview

7 Questions to Ask the Hiring Manager During a Job Interview 7 Questions to Ask the Hiring Manager During a Job Interview Its a common scenario for a lot of job candidates. You wrap up a job interview feeling great about how you represented yourself and confident that the position is yours. But two steps out the door, it hits you: you forgot to ask the hiring manager a question. Even worse, it was the key question that would have given you a vital piece of information about the job while also solidifying you as a top candidate in her mind. Theres no going back to fix that mistake, but you can try to avoid repeating it in the future. Here are seven questions you should definitely remember to ask the hiring manager during future job interviews: 1. Have I answered all of the questions you had for me? This may seem strange, but its a good place to start. Sometimes the hiring manager will state that she doesnt have anything else to ask, but other times she may want clarification on one of your previous answers. If you get confirmation that youve provided the information she needs, you will feel comfortable moving on with your other questions. 2. If Im hired, what are the three most important things you will want me to accomplish during my first six months at the company? Asking this interview question helps you in several ways. First, it shows confidence, as youre clearly looking ahead to what youll do in the position for which you have just interviewed. Second, it shows that you know the company is hiring someone because it has a need that must be filled, and that you believe you can fill it. And finally, it sets expectations for both you and the manager if you do, indeed, get hired. 3. How would you describe the companys culture? What kinds of people fit best with that culture? When youre looking for work, youre usually hoping for more than just a paycheck. Even if the role for which youre applying seems to be a perfect match to your skills, you could end up miserable if the company doesnt offer the flexibility you desire, encourages micromanagement by its supervisors, or otherwise creates a dreary and unwelcoming work environment. Its important to find a good cultural fit, so dont forget to ask about it. 4. What do you like most about working for this company? What is your favorite part of your job? Along with the question about the corporate culture, this is one that may give you more insight into how people feel about the company. If the hiring manager is quickly able to outline several great aspects of her job, and those resonate with you, youve probably identified a good fit. If she struggles to name something she enjoys, that also may give you a clue regarding the work environment. 5. What is the companys career development plan? How does it encourage further education and growth for its workers? It makes sense to look ahead even in the interview phase. If you do land a position with this business, you want to make sure its not a dead-end job. Its important to know whether your potential new employer is genuinely committed to helping employees progress in their careers. If the hiring manager is vague about such development or skirts the question, you may want to look elsewhere. 6. Is there anything I have said that makes you doubt I would be a great fit for this position? This can be a scary question to ask, as noted in an article from TopResume. However, if you have the courage to ask this, you stand to gain a better sense of the next steps in the process and an opportunity to address any reservations that the hiring manager might have about your candidacy while you still have his or her attention. 7. What are the next steps in the process? What is your timeline for making an offer to the successful candidate? A good hiring manager will probably address this without you having to ask, but if she doesnt, make sure you get a good handle on the post-interview process. Youll want to know what kind of follow-up questions to expect, whether additional interviews are likely for finalists, and even if youll be expected to complete a skills test of some kind. Dont be afraid to ask for specifics. You may not have time to ask all seven of these questions. But if you at least have them in mind, you should be able to wrap up your interview with no regrets, feeling that you sought all of the information youll need to make the right decision if you are offered the job. Know someone looking for a job? Refer a friend to with this link- you’ll get a month free service and they’ll get 30% off!