Although job interviews mainly consist of hiring managers asking candidates questions, ideally, it should feel like an organic, mutually informative conversation. As a job seeker, it is important to use the interview as an opportunity to ensure the job and employer are the right fit for you. A major factor in job satisfaction is the relationship one has with their manager, so you should try to gain insight into the management style of any potential boss. Check out these questions to ask your interviewer to determine their management style:
How would you describe the culture within the department/team?
Managers generally set the tone for the culture within a department/team. The answer to this question can give you a sense of what the hiring manager’s approach is to leading their team and their core values.
What types of professional development opportunities are available?
If you want to get a sense of whether the interviewer has a management style focused on coaching and helping their employees grow, as opposed to only caring about short-term needs, inquire into professional development opportunities. You will likely be able to see how much passion they hold for helping employees reach their full potential.
What do you like the most about working here?
Asking about the interviewer’s personal experience can build rapport and give you a glimpse into what it would be like to interact with them day-to-day as a manager. Pay attention to how authentic and passionate the interviewer’s response is, especially regarding leadership.
How often do you meet with the department, as a group and individually?
This type of question uncovers the logistics of the interviewer’s management style. You can learn about how hands-on they are as a manager and how they facilitate collaboration within the team.
How do you measure success for this role?
An essential part of management style is how setting expectations and providing feedback for employees. Asking about how success is measured in the role will demonstrate how intentional the interviewer is when managing their team to perform to their best and give them the information and tools they need to succeed.
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