Interview The Hiring Manager Instead Of The Other Way Around

Pexels/Jeshoots

So you applied for a job and now have an interview. Congrats! The first step in finding your next role is behind you. Now all you have to do is get through the nerve-racking interview with the hiring manager.

Before you start sweating bullets, it’s important to remember that this is just as much of an interview for them as it is for you. Finding the right company can be stressful, but with this interview trick, you’ll be sure to feel confident and in control of that conversation.

Interview the hiring manager.

As always, it’s important to prepare for the interview by reviewing those commonly asked questions. However, it’s also important to change your mindset so you can figure out if this company is the right fit for you.

During your interview — whether on the phone or in person — ask the hiring manager tough questions so you can understand if you’d actually enjoy working at the company or not. A few things to consider are office environment, communication styles, culture, growth opportunities, structure and benefits. In theory, they should be preparing for this interview just as much as you. So if the hiring manager can’t answer one of these questions, it could be a red flag.

Ask lots of questions.

best questions to ask hiring manager — Pexels/Christina Morillo

In order to gain insight into what it would really be like to work there, you’ll need to ask the right questions, like:

What is the office layout like?
How do different teams and departments work together?
What styles of communication are used? In-person meetings, email, Slack, phone?
Do managers meet with their reports for one-on-one conversations? If so, how often?
How is feedback valued in the company?
How would you describe the company culture?
What could be the growth track for someone in this role?
How many people are on this team? Do they all report to the same manager?
What’s a typical benefits package for employees at this level?

By asking these questions and more, you’ll be able to gain insight into what it would be like to work at this company. So if the hiring manager answers that departments are very separate and keep to themselves, but you’re looking for a collaborate environment, it might not be the right fit. On the other hand, maybe she tells you that there are a ton of opportunities for growth, which is right up your alley. Whatever you do, take advantage of asking as many questions as you can early on in the interview process. It’ll also help you make the right decision when the offer comes through down the line.

It’s like dating.

Finding the right company is almost exactly like dating. You need to know what your must-haves are and what you’re willing to compromise on. And don’t settle, otherwise you’ll end up breaking up with your employer rather than sticking it out for the long haul.

Through interviewing the hiring manager, you’ll find out whether your work styles match, if the benefits are up to par, where you could be in five years from now and more. If you think about it, these are very similar to what you might want to know about your future SO.

Whatever you do, don’t stress. Interviews are the time to really learn about a company so you can find the one that’s right for you. Take control of the conversation and interview the hiring manager. It might be a match made in heaven, or it might not. Either way, you’ll get great experience and be one step closer to finding your dream job.

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