8 Smart Questions To Ask Hiring Managers In A Job Interview

Summary

In this video, JT emphasizes the importance of asking thoughtful questions during job interviews to assess if a company is the right fit. He introduces a framework called the 'four C's': Connect, Culture, Challenges, and Close, and provides eight smart questions candidates should ask hiring managers. These questions aim to build rapport, understand company values, gauge the challenges the company is facing, and ensure clear next steps in the hiring process. By asking the right questions, candidates not only show professionalism but also gain valuable insights to make informed career decisions.

Takeaways

• 😀 Asking questions in a job interview is crucial to show your interest and due diligence, ensuring the company is the right fit for you.
• 😀 Not asking questions during an interview may lead hiring managers to question your genuine interest and suitability for the role.
• 😀 The four C's framework (Connect, Culture, Challenges, and Close) helps guide the questions you ask in an interview for a comprehensive understanding.
• 😀 The 'Connect' category includes questions like 'How did you come to work here?' to build rapport with the hiring manager and learn about their experience.
• 😀 The 'Culture' category helps you understand the company’s values by asking questions like 'What do you love most about working here?' and 'Tell me about the most successful hire you've made recently.'
• 😀 Questions about 'Culture' also include asking about a failed hire to assess if the company's expectations align with your strengths and work style.
• 😀 'Challenges' questions, like 'What is the biggest challenge the company will face this year?', show your interest in how you can contribute to solving problems.
• 😀 Asking about performance measurement, such as 'How will I measure my own performance?', helps ensure that there is a clear metric for success in the role.
• 😀 'Close' questions like 'What are the next steps in the process?' help you understand the timeline and structure of the hiring process, reducing uncertainty.
• 😀 Asking about any skills or experience gaps ('What are the skills or experience you wish I had?') shows self-awareness and provides an opportunity to address any concerns the hiring manager might have.

Q & A

Why is it important to ask questions during a job interview?

Asking questions shows that you are doing your due diligence and making sure the company is the right fit for you. It also helps to demonstrate your value, interest, and understanding of the role.

What is the significance of asking, 'How did you come to work here?'

This question helps you connect with the interviewer, gaining insights into their journey with the company. It also allows you to understand what drew them to the company and whether you can relate to those reasons.

What does asking 'What do you love most about working here?' reveal?

It helps you evaluate the company’s strengths and whether their values align with yours. The interviewer will share positive aspects of the company, which you can use to assess if it’s the right fit for you.

Why should you ask about the most successful hire the company has made recently?

This question helps you learn about the company’s definition of a high performer. It gives you insight into the skills and traits that are valued in the organization, allowing you to determine if you align with their expectations.

What is the benefit of asking about a hire that didn’t work out?

This question provides insight into potential red flags or challenges within the company. It also helps you evaluate if any traits of unsuccessful hires match yours, which could indicate whether or not the company is a good fit.

Why is it important to inquire about the company's biggest challenge for the year?

Asking about the company’s challenges shows that you understand the role you’re applying for involves solving problems. It also gives you an idea of whether you’re interested in tackling those challenges and whether your skills can be helpful.

What does asking 'How will I measure my own performance?' demonstrate?

It demonstrates that you take ownership of your work and understand the importance of performance metrics. It also helps you evaluate how the company tracks and values success, which is important for long-term career growth.

Why should you ask if there are any skills or experiences you could have that would make you a better fit?

This question allows you to address any potential concerns the interviewer might have about your qualifications. It gives you a chance to clarify any points or offer additional information to overcome any objections.

How does asking about the next steps in the process help you?

It helps you understand the timeline and structure of the hiring process. By knowing the next steps, you can avoid uncertainty and follow up appropriately if needed, making the process less stressful.

What is the purpose of the four C's: Connect, Culture, Challenges, and Close?

The four C's serve as categories for structuring interview questions that allow you to gather essential information about the employer and ensure the company is a good fit for you. Connect helps you build rapport, Culture assesses company values, Challenges helps you understand the role's responsibilities, and Close ensures you understand the next steps.