8 Smart Questions to Ask Hiring Managers in a Job Interview

Why These Questions Work

87% of hiring managers say candidates who ask strategic questions are more likely to advance in the hiring process. These questions help you:

• Understand the real expectations of the role

• Evaluate company culture fit

• Identify growth opportunities

• Show your professional insight

• Make an informed career decision

Essential Interview Questions: Detailed Breakdown

1. What does success look like in this role after 90 days?

Good Response: Clear metrics, specific projects, and defined expectations Red Flag: Vague answers or inability to define success What It Reveals: Role organization, management style, and performance expectations

Key Tip: Listen for specific, measurable outcomes rather than general statements.

2. How would you describe the team culture and management style?

Good Response: Specific examples of team practices and management approaches Red Flag: Generic answers or hesitation What It Reveals: Work environment, team dynamics, leadership approach

Real Example: "Our team has daily 15-minute standups and weekly deep-dives. Managers maintain an open-door policy."

3. What are the biggest challenges facing this position?

Good Response: Honest discussion of specific challenges and potential solutions Red Flag: Claims of no challenges or downplaying obvious issues What It Reveals: Real job demands and potential growth areas

Pro Tip: Use their answer to explain how your experience addresses these challenges, and highlight these in your tailored resume builder project.

4. What opportunities exist for professional growth?

Good Response: Concrete examples of advancement paths and skill development programs Red Flag: No clear growth path or vague promises What It Reveals: Long-term career potential and company investment in employees

Look For: Mentions of training programs, mentorship, or advancement timelines, which you can emphasize in your cover letter.

5. How does this role contribute to the company's goals?

Good Response: Clear connection between role and company objectives Red Flag: Inability to connect position to larger goals What It Reveals: Role importance and strategic alignment

Key Point: This shows your interest in contributing to company success.

6. What's the typical career progression for someone in this position?

Good Response: Examples of previous role holders' career paths Red Flag: No clear advancement examples or high turnover What It Reveals: Career potential and employee retention

Note: This question often reveals unspoken advancement opportunities.

7. What are the next steps in the hiring process?

Good Response: Clear timeline and process explanation Red Flag: Uncertainty or lack of process What It Reveals: Organization and decision-making efficiency

Action Item: Use this information to plan your follow-up strategy.

8. Can you tell me about the team I'll be working with directly?

Good Response: Specific details about team structure and key members Red Flag: Confusion about team composition or roles What It Reveals: Team organization and collaborative environment

Listen For: Team size, roles, and interaction frequency.

When to Ask These Questions

Best Timing:

• Throughout the interview when relevant topics arise

• When invited to ask questions at the end

• After the interviewer finishes their main questions

Pro Tip: Keep 2-3 questions for the end, even if others were answered during discussion.

Quick Takeaways

• Ask questions relevant to your specific role and level

• Listen carefully to detect red flags

• Use answers to determine company fit

• Follow up on unclear responses

• Take brief notes for reference

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions should I ask in an interview?

Prepare 5-8 questions, expecting some will be answered during the interview. Ask 2-3 of your most relevant remaining questions when prompted. Quality matters more than quantity.

What if my questions get answered during the interview?

Have backup questions ready. Say: "Many of my questions about [topic] were answered during our discussion. However, I'd like to know more about [ask backup question]."

Should I ask about salary in the first interview?

Let the hiring manager bring up compensation first. Focus initial questions on role responsibilities and fit. Save salary discussions for later interview stages or when prompted.

What questions should I avoid asking?

Don't ask about:

• Basic information available on their website

• Time off policies before receiving an offer

• Office gossip or politics

• Personal questions about the interviewer

Key Actions to Take

Before Interview:

• Research company news and recent developments

• Review job description for role-specific questions

• Prepare questions in priority order

• Write questions in your interview notebook

During Interview:

• Listen for opportunities to ask relevant questions

• Note which prepared questions get answered

• Watch for verbal/non-verbal cues in responses

• Ask for clarification when needed

After Interview:

• Use answers to evaluate job fit

• Address unanswered questions in follow-up email

• Reference specific answers in thank-you note

• Consider responses when making decision