15 interview questions to ask hiring managers
When the interviewer asks, “Do you have any questions for me?” The worst response you can give is “No.” This golden opportunity for job candidates to ask questions should not be squandered!
Smart interview questions not only allow jobseekers to glean meaningful insights and company intelligence that can give them an edge over their peers, but also offer the final opportunity to demonstrate their competence and win over the employer.
Thoroughly research the company and weave your findings into your interview questions. Do not ask questions that you can easily find the answers to – this does not present you in a good light, making you appear lazy and not sufficiently interested in the company.
Here are 15 interview questions that will show prospective employers that you are enthusiastic about their company. You may not be able to ask all of these due to time constraints, so choose those that are most meaningful to you and customise them for your situation.
- How would you characterise the organisation? What are its principal values? What are its greatest challenges?
- What is the organisation’s plan for the next five years, and how does this department or division fit in?
- What would I be expected to accomplish in the first six to 12 months on the job? What is the one thing I cannot fail at in the first year?
- What particular achievements would equate to success at this job? What would success look like?
- What are three key things that really drive results for the company?
- How does this position contribute to the company’s goals, productivity, or profits?
- What is the most pressing business issue or problem for the company or department?
- Can you give me some examples of the types of projects I may be working on?
- What do you think are the most difficult aspects of the job I’m interviewing for?
- Based on the interview, do you have any concerns about my ability to perform the job that would prevent you from selecting me?
- How does the company support and promote work-life balance for employees?
- How does the company support and promote personal and professional growth?
- What is one thing an employee might do here that would be perceived as a violation of the company’s culture?
- In the recent past, how has the company acknowledged and rewarded outstanding performance?
- What is the next step in the job application process? When do you think you will be making a decision?
While this list is not exhaustive, these are questions that demonstrate to hirers that you are confident, prepared, and interested in the organisation.
5 questions to ask potential employers at job networking events
Networking for a job is one of the most important things you can do to achieve your short-term career goals and build up a long, rewarding career. Few people stay at the same company for life, meaning networking for your next job should be a continuous endeavour. Attending networking events is one way to stay top of mind among potential employers and keep your career moving forward.
When networking for a job, ask specific questions about the company and its open positions so that you can assess if you’re a good fit.
Here are five questions to ask potential employers at your next job networking event to help identify opportunities for your career.
Prefer learning by listening? Here’s a podcast below to help!
Key highlights to listen to:
- (2:42) How to get good recommendations from your network
- (5:53) What to do when a networking conversation goes in an unexpected direction
- (6:01) How to show curiosity during a networking conversation
If you like listening to more career tips and tricks, head here for more podcasts!
1. Is your company hiring right now, or are you looking for a future hire?
Just because a company sends a representative to a networking event doesn’t mean they’re hiring right now. Many human resources directors go to such events to keep their company in the spotlight for potential employees. Asking this question will help you identify which employers are hiring right now and which might have job opportunities in the future.
2. Where do you see your company being in 5 or 10 years?
In today’s rapidly-changing world of work, job security is never guaranteed. However, it is often more likely with a company that has a clear vision for the future. This question should reveal the organisation’s growth plans and help you better understand the kind of job opportunities that might be available.
3. What is a typical career path for someone holding that position?
By asking this question, you can evaluate your own career path to see if you are a good candidate for a particular position. It’s also a great way to learn about potential directions you can take in your career in the future.
4. What skills should a person be equipped with before taking that position?
This is an important question that reveals the priorities of the company and the person in front of you. That could be even more crucial if the person at the networking event is also the hiring manager.
5. Are there any special preparations, career steps, or job/educational qualifications necessary for that position?
If a position requires any special education or career prerequisites, you want to know that upfront. If you aren’t qualified today, you can determine whether or not that position is important enough to you to pursue the right qualifications for it.
Job networking events can present ideal opportunities for you to benchmark your current skills and qualifications with currently open job positions while evaluating where your career trajectory can extend in the future.
This article is contributed by Manpower Singapore.
