Questions to Ask During an Interview: Setting Yourself Up for Success

Remember, an interview is a two-way street! It's not just about answering questions but also about asking questions to determine if the leadership, team and the company are also a good fit for you.

Here are some questions to ask:

Leadership/Hiring Manager:

• How would you describe your leadership style? This question gives you a sense of their approach to management, whether it’s hands-on, empowering, or focused on mentorship.

• What qualities do you value most in the team members you lead? This reveals what they look for in successful employees and shows whether they value qualities that align with your strengths and work style.

• How do you typically provide feedback? Understanding their approach to feedback tells you whether they prioritize open communication, constructive criticism, and ongoing growth, which are crucial to personal and professional development.

• What’s something recent you’ve learned from your team? A leader who learns from their team is often open-minded and collaborative, demonstrating humility and a growth mindset.

• Can you share an example of how you’ve helped a team member achieve their career goals? This question uncovers whether they support career growth and are invested in their team members’ success beyond their immediate role.

• Can you describe a time when an employee on the team was struggling in their role and what was done to help them succeed?

  This question reveals how the company supports employees when challenges arise and shows your interest in understanding the resources available for success.

• How do you evaluate employee performance and success? Understanding the evaluation process ensures you know what metrics or feedback will guide your work, helping you stay aligned with the company’s goals.

• How do you celebrate team or individual achievements?

  This question gives insight into how the leader values and recognizes hard work, showing whether they foster a culture of appreciation.

  
  

Team:

• Can you tell me about the team I’d be working with? Understanding the dynamics of the team will give you insight into the work environment and the type of collaboration you’ll experience.

• What are the biggest challenges currently facing the team or company?This shows you’re forward-thinking and ready to tackle obstacles. It also gives you a sense of the company’s priorities and areas for growth.

• How does the team celebrate successes or milestones, both big and small?This can reveal the culture of appreciation, whether it’s low-key or celebratory, and if the team values recognizing achievements.

• How do team members stay connected, especially if working remotely? For remote or hybrid environments, this question provides insight into whether the team has strong communication practices to foster connection.

• What’s something the team is currently working to improve or evolve? This shows that the team is self-aware, open to growth, and constantly aiming to improve, which can foster an environment of innovation and learning.

  
  

Company:

1. How would you describe the company’s culture? Cultural fit is crucial for your job satisfaction. This question helps you get a feel for the company’s values, work-life balance, and day-to-day environment.

2. What qualities do you look for in employees who thrive here? This question reveals the type of individuals who succeed within the company and whether you identify with those qualities.

3. How does the company support professional growth and development?Learning about career advancement opportunities, training programs, and mentorship can help you gauge if the company is committed to helping employees grow.

4. What are the company’s short- and long-term goals, and how does this role contribute to them? This gives insight into the company’s direction and whether its vision aligns with your professional aspirations. It also helps you understand if the role has a clear career path.

Asking thoughtful questions shows your genuine interest, gives you a deeper understanding of the role, and helps you determine if it’s the right fit for you. The goal is to walk away confident that you’re making an informed decision.

What questions do you like to ask during interviews? Share your thoughts below! #interviewtips #career #jobsearch #interviewquestions