“We’ll save ten minutes at the end of our call for your questions.”
“I’m excited to speak with you, and wanted to start by asking what questions you have for me.”
“What else is on your mind?”
This isn’t just a kindness- interviewers are curious about what questions you have for them, and they are using this question to evaluate your preparedness, assess understanding of the role, and surface potential barriers. So, be prepared!
Wondering where to start? Use the below list, organized by question type, and select 4-6 questions that you are particularly interested in learning more about. Our best tip? Write out your ideal response that you’d hear! Being able to answer “what you’re listening for” will help you both evaluate what you’re hearing and figure out your follow up in the moment.
| Question Theme ________________________ | Questions _________________________________________________________________ |
| Organizational Health | - Does the organization have an active strategic plan? And if so, how many years are you into it and what would you say are the 1-2 biggest priorities for the org at this time?
- What is the biggest opportunity for the org this year? What about the biggest threat?
- What is the hardest thing the organization has navigated this past year?
- Is the organization trying to grow next year? If so, why and how much?
- {If the org has a board} How long is the average tenure of the current board?
|
| Organizational Culture | - How would you define your org culture?
- How do team members get to know each other?
- What is one culture priority you’re working on this year, and what are you doing to address it?
- Would you say your team is more independent or collaborative?
- How does the organization live out their DEI commitment?
|
| Role-specific clarifications | - What are the priorities in the first 30 days? What about 90 days?
- How many other people are on this team?
- {If this is a backfill} What was one thing the person before me in the role had to learn?
- What technical systems do you use?
|
| Manager Style | - How would you describe your management style?
- What is your favorite thing about managing? Least favorite?
- How would your team describe your style?
- How do you prefer to get updates?
- What structures do you rely on to gain insight into your team’s work?
|
| Learning and Development | - What does the org/team do for professional development?
- Is there a professional development stipend?
- What is one skill or competency that you’re really good at building?
- What does performance management look like?
|
| Salary and Pay | - Is there a performance bonus structure?
- When are performance reviews, and salary negotiation?
- How does the organization ensure pay equity?
|
Preparing questions to ask your interviewer when the time comes not only shows how prepared you are, but also how much you care about the position. Remember, an interview is both a chance for the employer to get to know you as a candidate and an opportunity for you to assess whether or not the role would be a good fit for yourself!
Looking for additional support to ace your interviews? Our Expert Career Coaches can help!
