30 Questions To Ask A Hiring Manager To Assess A Company

Are you looking for a new career prospect and excited about new opportunities?

Before jumping on board with the company, knowing if it is a good fit for you is important. One of the best ways to gain valuable insight into the company is by asking the right questions to hiring managers.

By asking thoughtful questions to hiring managers, you can better understand the following:

• Company’s Work Culture
• Values
• Growth Prospects

This blog will explore a list of questions to ask a hiring manager. These questions will allow you to decide about your potential future with the company.

Importance of Asking Questions To The Hiring Manager During An Interview

Asking questions to the hiring manager in a job interview is of utmost importance for several reasons. It reflects that you are well-prepared and interested in the position.

Here’s why you should ask questions to your hiring manager:

Demonstrate Interest

Asking thoughtful questions shows that you are genuinely interested in the company and the role. It indicates that you have done your research and invested time in understanding the company.

Gathering Information

Asking questions lets you collect information about how a typical day looks like in the company,,its work environment and many more.

Clarify Role and Expectations

If you ask questions to the hiring manager, you can clarify about your role, team’s structure and responsibilities of the position.

Assess Company Culture

You can inquire about the company culture, the management style, and how teams collaborate.It will help you determine if it suits your working preferences.

Two-Way Evaluation

Interviews are not just for the employer to assess you; they also give you the opportunity to evaluate the company. Asking questions helps you estimate if the company aligns with your values, work style, and career goals.

So, ensure you don’t miss the opportunity to highlight your interest in the position during your hiring process.

20 Questions To Ask A Hiring Manager For A Complete Job Assessment

1. What are the key skills and qualifications you are looking for in an ideal candidate?
2. How long has your tenure with this company been?
3. How does this position contribute to the company's goals and success?
4. What is the management style within the department or team?
5. What challenges does the team or department currently face, and how can this role help address them?
6. Will the new hire be involved in specific projects or initiatives?
7. How does the company encourage innovation and creativity among its employees?
8. What is the company's stance on flexibility, such as remote work or flexible hours?
9. How does the company recognize and reward exceptional performance?
10. Can you share insights into the typical career progression for someone in this department?
11. What is the company's approach to work-related stress and employee well-being?
12. What training or onboarding programs are available to support new employees?
13. Are there opportunities for cross-departmental collaboration?
14. What are the performance expectations for this role, and how are they measured?
15. How would you describe the company's culture and work environment?
16. How does the company maintain employee motivation and engagement?
17. How does the company support work-life balance for its employees?
18. How does the company foster diversity and inclusion in the workplace?
19. Can you provide some examples of successful projects completed by previous employees in this role?
20. Can you provide examples of how this company values and recognizes employee contributions?

10 Must-Ask Questions During The Hiring Process

1. Can you explain the day-to-day responsibilities and tasks of this role?
2. What does a typical day look like in this role?
3. Can you tell me about the team I would be working with?
4. What types of projects would I be working on?
5. What opportunities will I have to learn and grow in my job?
6. How does the company support a healthy work-life balance for its employees?
7. Can you describe the communication channels within the organization?
8. What are some biggest challenges encountered working in this role?
9. How does the company manage feedback and performance evaluation?
10. Is there anything else I should know about the company or this role to ensure a successful fit?

Questions You Should NOT Ask During An Interview

As we prepare questions, we must also know what questions are inappropriate or should not be asked. An interview is a crucial process, so avoid asking questions to the hiring manager that might create a negative impression.

So let's go through some of the sample questions that you should not ask during an interview.

1. What does the company do?

Before applying for a job, conducting thorough research on the company is essential. In the interview, asking questions about the company could state a lack of prior research on your part.

2. How quickly can I be promoted?

During an interview, it is recommended to maintain your focus on the present role and responsibilities. Inquiring about potential promotions during the interview may convey a sense of lack of commitment.

3. Are there any other candidates for this job?

During an interview, highlight your qualifications rather than compare yourself to others. This approach demonstrates confidence in your abilities and strengths.

4. Do you have any other candidates in mind?

Asking about the competition can be perceived as assertive and may indicate a lack of self-confidence. So it is advisable to focus on showing your skills and qualifications rather than asking about other candidates.

5. Will a background check be conducted?

If you ask the hiring manager about the pre-employment screening, it may create doubt about your background. So it's best to avoid asking such questions during an interview.

6. Are there any other job opportunities available besides this position?

Inquiring about other job openings might give the impression that you are not committed to the current position.

7. How often can I take leave?

Asking the hiring managers about leave could convey that you already consider yourself to have secured the job offer. It's best to wait for the job offer to discuss such details.

8. Who are the company's competitors?

Avoid inquiring about the company's competitors unless you have researched the company beforehand. Asking such a question without prior preparation may give the impression that you haven't prepared well.

9. I have come across X rumors. What do you know about it?

Asking questions based on rumors can harm your reputation. It is better to ask relevant and factual questions about the hiring process.

10. Are you going to keep track of my social networking profiles?

Asking if your social media profile will be monitored shows you have something to hide. So do not ask a question that might raise red flags.

Assessing A Company During The Interview Process

It's not about impressing the interviewer when looking for new job opportunities. It is also an opportunity for you to evaluate the company. Assessing the company to ensure it aligns with your professional goals is important.

Let’s review top 3 essential factors you must consider during the interview process.

Company Culture

Company culture is crucial to your job satisfaction and overall work experience. Ask relevant questions to the hiring manager if they align with your preferred work style and values.

Assessing the company culture can help you determine if you'll feel comfortable and motivated working there.

Work-Life Balance

Work-Life Balance is a key factor for an employee, ensuring your overall happiness and well-being. So, don’t miss the chance to ask the hiring manager how they support work-life balance.

You can also explore the Vantage Lens page to check reviews from current employees about how well the company supports work-life balance.

Growth & Development

One of the things you should strive for in your career path is growth and development. It is important as it directly impacts your career trajectory and job satisfaction.

While giving an interview, you can ask the hiring manager about the company’s training initiatives and opportunities for professional development.

Additionally, you can ask how they support employees in acquiring new skills and advancing their careers.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is a hiring manager?

A hiring manager is a person in an organization responsible for overseeing the recruitment process, conducting interviews, and selecting candidates for job positions.

2. How many questions can I ask a hiring manager?

The number of questions you can ask a hiring manager depends on the context and the hiring manager's availability. It is advised to inquire about at least three questions during an interview.

3. What are the best 5 questions for a hiring manager or interviewer?

1. Can you explain the day-to-day responsibilities and tasks of this role?
2. What does a typical day look like in this role?
3. Can you tell me about the team I would be working with?
4. What types of projects would I be working on?
5. What opportunities will I have to learn and grow in my job?

4. How to impress an HR or hiring manager during the interview?

To impress a hiring manager during an interview, prepare by researching the company and role. Try to showcase relevant skills and achievements. Ask thoughtful questions, show problem-solving abilities, and maintain a positive and confident attitude.

5. How to talk to an HR person before an interview?

When speaking to an HR person before an interview, be professional, polite, and concise. Confirm interview details, ask relevant questions, express appreciation, and listen actively.

This article has been written by Ranjana Das. She works as a Marketing Intern at Vantage Lens. Her areas of interest include marketing, photography, cooking, and dancing. She enjoys good music and experimenting with new cooking techniques when she isn't creating articles.