20 Questions to ask and 21 questions you should be ready to answer in an interview.

Questions are more important than answers, in a job interview, this is even more true. The quality of questions you explore and practice with prior to an interview will have a direct impact on the quality of responses you produce and ultimately impact the impression you make.

Here are the questions I would recommend you ask(select 3 or 4) and prepare to answer.

20+ Questions to ask a hiring manager or recruiter:

1. How does the culture on your team differ from that of the company as a whole?

2. On your last engagement survey or pulse check, what were the team’s positive and negative trends?

3. In what ways did the company evolve and adapt to the pandemic?

4. What kind of support can I expect from you within my first few weeks?

5. Why did you accept the responsibility and challenge of leading others?

6. Are there any skills gaps you are hoping to close on your team soon?

7. What are the biggest challenges facing the organization? How does this team support that effort?

8. When do you know that your team is working cohesively and as a unit?

9. What core values do you lean upon when making a decision?

10. What excites you the most about the future of this organization?

11. What does the competition do better than this organization?

12. Why did you choose to pursue a career in this field?

13. What work habits annoy you?

14. How do you see this position evolving?

15. What are some projects that you wish you had more time and resources to focus on?

16. What are the top priorities for the organization this year? And for the team?

17. What does employee wellness mean to you?

18. How would your colleagues describe you as a leader?

19. When have you been the proudest of this company?

20. What are the biggest threats to this business?

20+ Questions you should be prepared to answer:

1. What is the biggest misconception your colleagues have about you?

2. Tell me about a risk that you regretted taking at work? And one you felt justified in taking.

3. What are you most likely to fail at or do most poorly in at this position?

4. What was the most complex work problem you’ve ever had to solve?

5. When have you sacrificed the quality of your work to meet a deadline?

6. How do you make a decision?

7. Which of your peers do you look up to the most and why?

8. When have you exercised good judgment?

9. What do you do to develop yourself personally and professionally?

10. What are your three signature skills and how did you hone them?

11. Why are you here?

12. Tell me about a time when you have misjudged a colleague?

13. What was the most engaging experience you’ve had working on a team and what was your role?

14. What are the most significant changes you see impacting this industry?

15. Have you ever been an advocate of change in your workplace that was beyond the scope of your job?

16. When have you been under the most pressure at work and what did you learn about your ability to deal with stressful situations?

17. When have you been less than proud of your actions at work?

18. Why do you prefer working in a team or independently?

19. When was the last time you received professional feedback and how did you incorporate it into your work?

20. Do you feel like you’ve had a good opportunity to tell us who you are and showcase your strengths?

21. Why do you want to work for us?

To find more questions to ask for your work life or life's work visit: www.betterquestion.ca