Interview Questions: How to Wow the Hiring Manager

Interviewing for a position is your chance to shine and show the hiring manager that you are not only a good fit for the job, but that you have a true interest in the company and position. 

Typically, towards the end of the interview, the hiring manager will open it up for any questions you may have.  One way to stand out is by asking the right questions that demonstrate you are serious about the opportunity. In order to do this, you need to make sure you have well-thought-out, intelligent questions that show you have researched the company and that you have seriously thought about what it would be like to work for them.

Be sure that your questions are geared towards the company and the position itself.  Stay away from questions about compensation or health benefits and perks.

Prepare a list of ten different questions that you could ask.  You will not ask all ten questions, but I guarantee that some of the questions you think of will be answered during conversation in the interview.  When the hiring manager gives you the chance to ask questions, you never want to be stranded with no unanswered questions.

However, if you realize many of the questions were answered, simply pick the top 3 questions to ask.  You do not want to appear to be a drill sergeant by asking too many questions at once.  The manager may wonder if you will question everything if hired.

The Muse shared an infographic (see below) on the seven top interview questions that managers have been asked in the past.  Each of these questions impressed the hiring manager so much that they remembered and referenced them when asked.

The questions in the infographic are key examples of the types of questions you want to ask during the interview.  It’s clear that by asking well thought out questions such as these that you will stand out and memorable.

In addition to the seven interview questions that The Muse points out, you may want to consider some of the questions below.

• What are the top 3 traits needed to be successful in this position?
• What has made past employees successful in this position?
• What are some of the challenges that I would be faced with in this position?
• What do you like about working here?
• Do you have any concerns about me or my qualifications that may prevent you from selecting me for the job?
• What is the next step in the process?

What are some of the questions you typically ask during the interview?  Please share your comments below.