It’s common for hiring managers to say, “Do you have any questions” during an interview. What’s uncommon, though, is lacking what to ask them. I’ve seen several applicants fail to muster one or two questions for their recruiters. However, it’s best to be prepared to ask a few questions, especially on interests that concern you and how you fit into their organization.
In this article, you will learn why it’s essential to ask questions, eight smart questions to ask hiring managers during interviews, and questions to avoid.
Must I Ask Questions After Every Interview?
No, it’s not a must to ask questions after every interview. However, always take the opportunity to do so. Asking questions allows you to have a two-way discussion about the role and shows you took some time to prepare before the interview. Also, it’s one of the best ways to clarify doubts and expectations.
When offered the chance, ask a question that gives you a unique opportunity to make a lasting impression and showcase why you’re a better fit. Whatever you do, don’t leave the interview session with lingering thoughts and questions about the role.
Why Questions are Important in a Job Interview
“Is there a question you would like to ask our team?” I’ve heard interviewees freeze or get frightened when asked this question. Don’t go the same way. Your response should be yes while you calmly set out to ask smart questions about the position.
When you don’t have any end-of-interview questions, the interviewers can read several meanings into them. They might think you are unprepared, therefore, prone to mistakes in your job. Also, they’ll assume you’re not interested enough in the role or organization. You’ll come across as arrogant or a know-it-all.
Generally, asking questions help you understand how best you can fit in and be productive in the organization.
8 Smart Questions to Ask Hiring Managers
- Why does this position exist?
Whether it’s a new or newly vacated, asking this question will help you understand why this position exists. You might be the first person to fill this role, so a few challenges can follow. It will help you define what’s expected of you.
- What happened to the person who previously occupied this position?
Did the person leave, get promoted, or move to another role within the organization? If the person leaves and they have a high turnover rate, working there might be a wrong fit. If the person was promoted, it shows there are growth opportunities.
- Is there a career path for someone hired into this role?
Room for advancement within the company is crucial, especially if you hope to grow. Learn what’s ahead of you by asking this intelligent question. Also, it shows the hiring managers that you’re seeking growth and a long-term career with their company. It communicates loyalty and hard work.
- What are some of the challenges associated with the role?
By asking this question during the interview, you’ll understand what to expect. Also, the hiring managers will appreciate that you want to know and overcome the challenges.
- What skills do you want to see in a candidate?
This question will let you learn if you have the skills to succeed in the role. You also know the areas to highlight in your previous background and experience. Informing them of such areas gives you the advantage over candidates.
- What is your management strategy?
Their management style and strategy help you to understand how they treat responsibility and decision-making. From there, you can also know how much leeway employees have and which management style works best for you.
- How does the role fit into the structure of the organization?
The role you’ve applied for is part of the company. However, this question helps you learn about the direct reporting lines and where your position fits in the organization. It also helps with career progression.
- What are your expectations for this role?
This question helps you know what the company expects from the position. Such expectations often determine your success, especially when they set realistic expectations. This way, you’re going in prepared.
Some Bad Questions You Should Avoid Asking During an Interview
Now you know smart questions to ask hiring managers in a job interview. Here are some you shouldn’t ask.
- What does this organization do?
You’re probably sitting in the interview because you’ve done your research and a background check on the company. It would help if you knew what they do and represent. Asking this question will come off as lazy and petulant.
- What will I earn as a salary?
Unless you’re eventually offered the job, you shouldn’t ask about the salary you’ll earn during the interview. It’s a sensitive subject you should leave for an appropriate time. The negotiation time will come when you can discuss the offer and negotiate before accepting the position.
- How late can I be to work?
You shouldn’t bring this up at any point. When you ask this question, it sends signals that you do not value being on time. It also shows you’ll be terrible at meeting deadlines on projects.
Conclusion
While these questions are many, remember they will help you stay prepared for any interview session. They’re smart questions you can chip in immediately after the interviewers offer you the chance. Moreover, you can use the questions to showcase your skills and understanding of the organization and where you stand professionally.
There you go! Go out there and land that position with these eight smart questions you should ask a hiring manager during an interview.