Interview questions to ask a prospective employer

Ensuring that you are thoroughly prepared for an interview is one of the most essential things to do if you’re looking to land a new job. Even though these initial meetings can be unnerving, knowing what interview questions to ask a hiring manager will help you feel and look prepared.

Employers want to establish whether you are the right candidate for the role during interview sessions. But it is equally as important to find out if the company is the right fit for you. That being said, Adzuna, an online job aggregator, put together a list of important questions all job seekers should ask during the interview.

A roundup of the most important interview questions to ask

Meeting the interviewer

The hiring manager or interviewer is the first point of contact you’ll have with the company, so it’s a good idea to get to know them and understand their role. Here are some basic questions you can ask them after introductions are out of the way:

1. What does a typical workday look like for you?
2. What do you love most about your job?
3. Do you have any specific goals for yourself, your team, or the company over the next five years?

Defining your role

Some job descriptions are pretty concise, so be careful not to ask about topics that might have already been covered in the original ad. But beyond general duties, here are some questions that can help you uncover finer details about the job:

1. What can I expect my first week on the job to look like?
2. How does the role I’m applying for contribute to the company’s overall success?
3. Are there any shadowing opportunities available to help me better understand the day-to-day responsibilities of the position?

 Uncovering the company culture

Company culture is a big deal because it influences everything from benefits and perks to office politics. Here’s a look at what you need to gain a better understanding of:

1. What does the work culture look like in this company?
2. Are there any benefits that focus on work-life balance?
3. Do you have a telecommuting policy in place?
4. Are employees expected to work outside of office hours frequently?

Digging into company goals

You probably already know a little more about the company after doing your homework. Here’s a look at the interview questions to ask to help you dig a little deeper and ensure your goals match with that of the company:

1. What mission does the company have?
2. How do other employees view the company and its management staff?
3. What image do you want to create in the minds of your past, current, and future employees?

Measuring the management style

If you have a clear understanding of what is expected of employees and how they are managed, it’ll be easier to decide if the role is a match for you. Here’s what to ask:

1. Are employees allowed to assist with goal setting?
2. What is the company’s approach to measuring success?
3. When are employees expected to provide updates on their progress to management?
4. Are employees evaluated on their performance annually?

Establishing opportunities for growth

Obviously, we all want to grow in our careers, and it is essential to determine if this new position allows for growth. Here are some questions that’ll help you understand just how far this position can take you:

1. Does the company provide training opportunities for its staff to enhance their skills and experience?
2. Are there any advancement opportunities on the table?
3. When it comes to promotions, what are the opportunities?

Final Thoughts

When preparing your interview questions to ask a hiring manager, keep in mind that the main goal is to determine if the role and company are a good match for your skills and experience. Ask the right questions so you appear enthusiastic and eager to start in the new role.

Listen to the answers the interviewer gives you with intent. Quality leaders won’t be afraid to answer meaningful questions and provide potential candidates with the kind of information that’ll help them thrive in the role at hand.