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Questions to hiring manager blog cover

Key questions to ask a hiring manager during a job interview.

Picture this: You are invited to a virtual interview with your dream company.

You prepare enthusiastically, arm yourself with pre-rehearsed answers, and fine-tune your elevator pitch. The hiring manager starts shooting the questions, and you counter like a pro. As the conversation winds down, the tables turn, and you're faced with the unexpected twist: "So, do you have any questions for me?" 

 

You've only got 5 to 15 minutes to assess your potential manager's leadership skills, understand the essence of the role, and understand the team dynamics. Reverse interviewing demands not just preparedness but also the art of polite persistence, and the charm of a conversationalist.

 

Whether you're starting your career or are an experienced professional, these questions will help you assess your potential manager and employer.

Interview questions 

Tell me about yourself

  • When a recruiter/hiring manager asks you to introduce yourself (tell me about you), do ask, "Before introducing myself, I'd like to know what caught your attention in my resume, cover letter and portfolio, so I can tailor my answer and not bore you with stuff that you already know."

The role, team & performance expectations

  • How is the team currently structured?  And if you're planning on hiring more people, what changes might you see down the line?

  • What tools comprise your team's tech stack? Is AI an integral part of it?

  • How does the team usually communicate? Do you have a preferred way, like Slack, email, or regular meetings?

  • What does success look like for this role after 6 months?

  • What'd be the top priorities that you'd hope a new hire would tackle in the first 90 days?

  • We've had a great chat and you've seen my background. Is there anything that'd stop you from hiring me?

  • What are some of the main challenges someone in this role typically faces, thinking about responsibilities, team collaboration, decision-making, or even managing budgets?

  • What is the progression of this role in the next 2-3 years?

  • What does a high performer look like in this role? Please elaborate on the qualities and skills they need have to go above and beyond.

Business context & strategy

  • What are some of the bigger challenges the business is dealing with right now, and how could this role help with those?

  • How do product decisions get made around here? Which teams usually get involved in those conversations?

  • In the next 12 months, where do you see the product and the business heading?

Accountability & decision making

  • How are leaders and team managers generally held accountable for their decisions, especially if things don't go as planned?  

Salary negotiation

  • When you're negotiating the salary, and they aren't matching your range, do ask, "Sounds like there's a budget constraint. Is it that the budget is capped, or is there any concern about my experience?"

Hiring manager's management style

  • Could you share an example or two of how you've helped your team members grow in their careers?

  • As a manager, what sort of challenges do you usually run into, and how do you tend to work through them to keep the team successful?

  • How do you typically handle regular check-ins with your team, and what kind of topics usually come up in those discussions?

  • What's your usual approach when giving feedback? Do you lean towards a specific method, or is it more informal?

  • How do you encourage open communication and feedback within your team?

  • What qualities do you value most in your team members, and what kind of team dynamic do you aim for?

  • If a team member is struggling to meet expectations, how do you typically support them to improve and grow?

  • How do you like to recognize and celebrate great performance on your team, and how does that contribute to everyone's success?

  • Have you ever lost a high-performing employee who you thought as a great fit?

Tips for asking the tough questions

While it can be scary to ask potential managers, especially at the entry-level stage, it's an opportunity to understand whether the role and company align well with your personality, work style, and career aspirations. So, don't hesitate or feel underconfident, and be open to making mistakes!

 

  • Do thorough research about the company and its products.

  • Explore the hiring manager's LinkedIn and portfolio (if available).

  • Show your enthusiasm to learn more about them.

  • Be confident while asking the questions.

  • Don't wait till the last 10 minutes to ask any question. Try to make the interview, a conversation than a monologue.

  • Watch out for the tone and language. Don't be too polite or demanding or diplomatic, make a balance out of these.

  • Prepare the answers to your questions in case the hiring manager asks you the same.

  • Prepare 6 to 8 questions, but don't ask more than five, as time is limited and hiring managers can sometimes get frustrated. Observe their reactions and responses to evaluate whether this role, team, and manager are right for you.

  • Follow a semi-structured interview style by following up with questions based on the answers provided.

  • Make the interview experience a fun one for the hiring manager.

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