The Company
Inquiring about the company shows the hiring manager that you are interested in the company as a whole rather than just the position.
- What do you see ahead for your company in the next five years?
- How do you see the future for this industry?
- What do you consider to be your firm’s most important assets?
- What can you tell me about plans for growth?
Position’s History
Asking why the position is vacant can provide insight into the company and the potential for advancement.
- Why is this position vacant?
- What were the major strengths and weaknesses of the last person who held this job?
- What types of skills do you NOT already have on board that you’re looking for in a new hire?
The Department
Learning about your department’s employees and roles in the company can help you understand more about the company’s culture and hierarchy.
- What is the overall structure of the company and how does your department fit the structure?
- What are the career paths in this department?
- What have been the department’s successes in the last couple of years?
- How do you view your group/division/department?
Job Responsibilities
Questioning the job function helps you avoid any confusion later on and gain a solid understanding of the position.
- What would you consider to be the most important aspects of this job?
- What are the skills and attributes you value most for someone being hired for this position?
- Where have successful employees in this position previously progressed to within the company?
- Could you describe a typical day or week in this position? The typical client or customer I would be dealing with?
The Expectations
Reviewing the hiring manager’s expectations not only helps you stay on the same page, but also gives you better insight on what they are looking for.
- What are the most immediate challenges of the position that need to be addressed in the first three months?
- What are the performance expectations of this position over the first 12 months?
- How will I be evaluated at XYZ company, and how often?
Next Steps in the Process
Last, but very important question to ask:
- What are the next steps in the interview process?