5 Questions to Ask a Hiring Manager In An Interview
One of the toughest questions an Interviewer may ask you is “Do you have any questions for me?”. You can prepare as much as you want for this question but when put on the spot you may sometimes forget what to say. Other times you may not have been prepared to answer this question. Because of this I wanted to share 5 possible ways to answer when an employer asks you “Do you have any questions for me?”.
1. What would be the first thing you would want the person in this role to do?
This is a great question because it helps lead into other questions. Depending on their answer you could talk more about how you like what the first project or first day would be like and further show why you are a fit or you could get an idea of if this really would be the right position for you. It also lets you know if you’ll have a chance to start working on projects you like right away or if you would start on projects that may not be as interesting.
2. What brought you to this company from “Insert Company Here”?
Before you would ask this you should read post “Job interviews – preparation“. This way you will have some information on the people interviewing you and ask about their past and why they decided to make a change to their current position. By asking a question about them you get to also let them show off a bit as well. It becomes a great way to help further build a bond with the Interviewer and find out what they are proud of or what is important to the person interviewing you as far as a work place and company goes.
3. What were the biggest obstacles that the person in the role before me had?
This can be a great question to give you some insight in what you may have to overcome. Not only can it prep you to come in with solutions if you are hired but you’ll know what you can work on doing better to show why they made the right decision if you are hired.
4. Do you have any feedback for me?
This is a very up front question that not all Interviewers like. It could make you come off as being pushy but at the same time could help to get you some feedback on how your interview is going. Depending on how they answer you could find out what you may want to try and focus on in other interviews and you may get some valuable information to include in your Thank You For an Interview Letter.
5. What do you like most about working here?
This question allows you to get some insight into what the Interviewer likes most about the company. This question can also help to answer other questions you may have about the company like casual dress vs. formal wear or benefits like half days or extra holiday time off.
It is probably best to ask a question or two if the person interviewing you asks if you have any questions. You just need to be prepared with some good questions to ask. You should probably stay away from anything about benefits, having an office or other demands as you may come off being pushy. You can also negotiate all of that later on if they extend an offer. If the interviewer asks you if you have any questions for them, this is your turn to learn about the company and get a feel if it is a good fit for you. Use this opportunity as a way to help make a decision on if you would be happy there if they offer you a job.