Internal Interview Questions to Ask Hiring Manager
Strategic questions that demonstrate your understanding of the organization, show your readiness for the role, and help you make an informed decision about the opportunity.
1What's the biggest challenge this team is facing right now, and how could this role help address it?
Click to see why this works
What's the biggest challenge this team is facing right now, and how could this role help address it?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows you're already thinking about how to add value and solve problems. Demonstrates your understanding of the organization and your problem-solving mindset.
2How does this role differ from similar positions in other departments?
Click to see why this works
How does this role differ from similar positions in other departments?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows you understand the organization's structure and want to understand the unique aspects of this role. Demonstrates your strategic thinking about the organization.
3What's the most important thing this role needs to accomplish in the next 6 months?
Click to see why this works
What's the most important thing this role needs to accomplish in the next 6 months?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows you're thinking about specific outcomes and want to understand their priorities. Helps you align your goals with their expectations.
4How does this role contribute to the company's overall goals and mission?
Click to see why this works
How does this role contribute to the company's overall goals and mission?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Demonstrates strategic thinking and shows you want to understand the bigger picture. Shows you're not just looking for a promotion, but want to contribute meaningfully.
5What's the team culture like, and how do you maintain it?
Click to see why this works
What's the team culture like, and how do you maintain it?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows you value cultural fit and want to understand the working environment. Demonstrates you're thinking about how you'll fit into the team.
6What's the most exciting project or initiative the team is working on?
Click to see why this works
What's the most exciting project or initiative the team is working on?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows enthusiasm and interest in the work. Demonstrates you want to be part of exciting, meaningful projects.
7How does the company approach professional development and career growth for internal candidates?
Click to see why this works
How does the company approach professional development and career growth for internal candidates?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows you're committed to growth and want to understand advancement opportunities. Demonstrates you're thinking long-term about your career within the organization.
8What's the biggest opportunity you see for this role to impact the organization?
Click to see why this works
What's the biggest opportunity you see for this role to impact the organization?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Demonstrates strategic thinking and shows you want to make meaningful contributions. Shows you're already thinking about how to add value.
9How does the company handle innovation and new ideas from internal employees?
Click to see why this works
How does the company handle innovation and new ideas from internal employees?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows you're interested in contributing ideas and innovation. Demonstrates you want to be in an environment that values creativity and improvement.
10What's the most important quality you look for in team members at this level?
Click to see why this works
What's the most important quality you look for in team members at this level?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Helps you understand their values and what they prioritize. Shows you want to align with their expectations and succeed in their environment.
11How does the company handle failure or setbacks, and what's the learning culture like?
Click to see why this works
How does the company handle failure or setbacks, and what's the learning culture like?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows you value learning and growth mindset. Demonstrates you want to be in an environment that supports risk-taking and continuous improvement.
12What's the biggest change the company has undergone recently, and how was it managed?
Click to see why this works
What's the biggest change the company has undergone recently, and how was it managed?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows interest in organizational dynamics and change management. Demonstrates you understand the complexity of leading through change.
13How do you approach building relationships with key stakeholders and partners?
Click to see why this works
How do you approach building relationships with key stakeholders and partners?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows you understand the importance of relationship-building. Demonstrates you're thinking about how to work effectively with others.
14What's the most important decision this team has made recently, and how did you approach it?
Click to see why this works
What's the most important decision this team has made recently, and how did you approach it?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows you want to understand their decision-making process. Demonstrates you're interested in how they handle complex decisions.
15How does the company stay connected to what's happening at the ground level?
Click to see why this works
How does the company stay connected to what's happening at the ground level?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows you value authentic leadership and employee engagement. Demonstrates you understand the importance of staying connected to the front lines.
16What's the biggest risk the company is taking right now, and how are you managing it?
Click to see why this works
What's the biggest risk the company is taking right now, and how are you managing it?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows you understand business risk and want to contribute to risk management. Demonstrates you're thinking about the broader business context.
17How do you approach mentoring and developing other team members?
Click to see why this works
How do you approach mentoring and developing other team members?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows you value leadership development and want to understand their approach to building future leaders. Demonstrates you're thinking about your own growth.
18What's the most important thing you want this role to accomplish in the next 18 months?
Click to see why this works
What's the most important thing you want this role to accomplish in the next 18 months?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows you're thinking about specific outcomes and want to understand their priorities. Helps you align your goals with their expectations.
19How do you handle competing priorities and resource constraints?
Click to see why this works
How do you handle competing priorities and resource constraints?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows you understand the reality of business challenges. Demonstrates you want to understand their approach to prioritization and resource management.
20What's the most exciting thing about the company's future direction?
Click to see why this works
What's the most exciting thing about the company's future direction?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows you're excited about the opportunity and want to understand their vision. Demonstrates you want to be part of something meaningful and forward-thinking.
Best Practices for Internal Interviews
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Leverage Your Internal Knowledge
Use your understanding of the organization to ask more targeted and specific questions. Show that you already understand the company culture and challenges.
Demonstrate Value
Ask questions that show you're already thinking about how to contribute and add value to the organization. Focus on problem-solving and impact.
Show Strategic Thinking
Ask questions that demonstrate you understand the bigger picture and how this role fits into the organization's overall strategy.
Express Genuine Interest
Ask questions that show you're genuinely interested in the role and want to understand how you can contribute to the team's success.
Question Sequences
The Value Demonstrator
The Strategic Thinker
Common Pitfalls
Don't Assume Too Much
While you have internal knowledge, don't assume you know everything about the role or team. Ask questions to understand the specific requirements and expectations.
Avoid Comparing to Current Role
Don't spend too much time comparing this role to your current one. Focus on understanding the new role and how you can contribute to it.
Don't Focus Only on Your Needs
Balance questions about what you need with questions about how you can contribute and add value to the organization.