20 Questions

Questions to Ask a Potential Manager in an Interview

Interviewing your potential manager is crucial for understanding their leadership style, team culture, and expectations. These questions help you evaluate if the manager and team environment align with your career goals and work preferences.

1

What is your management style and how do you prefer to communicate with your team?

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Why this works

Understanding their management approach helps you determine if their style aligns with your work preferences and communication needs.

2

How do you handle feedback and performance reviews with your team members?

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Why this works

Learning about their feedback approach helps you understand how you'll receive guidance and support for your professional development.

3

What are your expectations for someone in this role during their first 90 days?

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Why this works

Understanding their expectations helps you prepare for the role and demonstrates your commitment to meeting their standards.

4

How do you support your team members' career development and growth?

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Why this works

Learning about their approach to career development helps you evaluate opportunities for advancement and skill building.

5

What is your approach to handling conflicts and disagreements within the team?

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Why this works

Understanding their conflict resolution style helps you evaluate the team dynamics and how issues are addressed.

6

How do you balance individual goals with team objectives?

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Why this works

Learning about their approach to goal alignment helps you understand how individual and team success are measured.

7

What is your policy on work-life balance and flexible arrangements?

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Why this works

Understanding their approach to work-life balance helps you evaluate if the role supports your overall well-being.

8

How do you handle team meetings and ensure everyone's voice is heard?

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Why this works

Learning about their meeting approach helps you understand how decisions are made and how team input is valued.

9

What is your approach to delegation and giving team members autonomy?

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Why this works

Understanding their delegation style helps you evaluate how much independence and responsibility you'll have in the role.

10

How do you handle team members who are struggling or underperforming?

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Why this works

Learning about their approach to performance issues helps you understand the support system available when challenges arise.

11

What is your approach to recognition and celebrating team achievements?

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Why this works

Understanding their recognition style helps you evaluate how your contributions will be valued and appreciated.

12

How do you handle changes in priorities and how do you communicate these to the team?

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Why this works

Learning about their change management approach helps you understand how you'll be informed about shifts in direction.

13

What is your approach to mentoring and coaching team members?

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Why this works

Understanding their mentoring style helps you evaluate the guidance and support available for your professional growth.

14

How do you handle team members' requests for time off or schedule changes?

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Why this works

Learning about their approach to scheduling helps you understand the flexibility available and how personal needs are accommodated.

15

What is your approach to handling team members' career advancement requests?

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Why this works

Understanding their approach to career advancement helps you evaluate opportunities for growth and promotion within the team.

16

How do you ensure team members have the resources and support they need to succeed?

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Why this works

Learning about their resource management helps you understand the support system available for your success in the role.

17

What is your approach to handling team members' concerns and suggestions?

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Why this works

Understanding their approach to feedback helps you evaluate how your input will be received and acted upon.

18

How do you handle team members' professional development and training needs?

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Why this works

Learning about their approach to professional development helps you evaluate opportunities for skill building and career growth.

19

What is your approach to handling team members' work-life integration?

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Why this works

Understanding their approach to work-life integration helps you evaluate how personal and professional needs are balanced.

20

What advice would you give to someone starting in this role under your management?

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Why this works

Learning about their advice helps you understand their perspective on success and what they value in team members.

How to Use These Questions

Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.

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