Questions to Ask a Small Business Owner in an Interview
Strategic questions to ask small business owners during interviews that demonstrate your interest, understanding, and value as a potential employee.
1What inspired you to start this business, and what's your vision for its future?
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What inspired you to start this business, and what's your vision for its future?
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Why this works
Shows genuine interest in the company's story and helps you understand the owner's passion and long-term goals, which can help you align your own career aspirations.
2What are the biggest challenges you're facing as a small business owner right now?
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What are the biggest challenges you're facing as a small business owner right now?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your understanding of small business realities and shows you're thinking about how you can help solve their problems.
3How has the business evolved since you started, and what changes are you planning?
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How has the business evolved since you started, and what changes are you planning?
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Why this works
Shows interest in the company's growth trajectory and helps you understand the dynamic nature of the business and potential opportunities for your role.
4What does success look like for this business, and how do you measure it?
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What does success look like for this business, and how do you measure it?
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Why this works
Helps you understand their priorities and metrics, which can guide how you approach your work and measure your own success in the role.
5How do you typically make decisions in the business, and what role would I play in that process?
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How do you typically make decisions in the business, and what role would I play in that process?
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Why this works
Gives you insight into the decision-making culture and helps you understand how much autonomy and input you might have in your role.
6What's the company culture like, and how do you maintain it as the business grows?
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What's the company culture like, and how do you maintain it as the business grows?
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Why this works
Helps you assess if the culture aligns with your values and working style, and shows you're thinking about long-term fit.
7What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the company?
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What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the company?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your ambition and interest in growing with the company, while helping you understand potential career paths.
8How do you handle work-life balance, and what expectations do you have for employees?
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How do you handle work-life balance, and what expectations do you have for employees?
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Why this works
Helps you understand the work environment and expectations, ensuring the role aligns with your lifestyle and values.
9What's the most rewarding part of running this business for you?
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What's the most rewarding part of running this business for you?
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Why this works
Shows interest in their personal motivation and can help you understand what drives the business and its values.
10How do you stay competitive in your industry, and what role does innovation play?
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How do you stay competitive in your industry, and what role does innovation play?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your understanding of business strategy and shows you're thinking about how you can contribute to the company's competitive advantage.
11What's your approach to customer relationships, and how important is customer satisfaction?
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What's your approach to customer relationships, and how important is customer satisfaction?
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Why this works
Helps you understand the company's customer focus and can guide how you approach your work and interactions with clients.
12How do you handle setbacks or difficult periods in the business?
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How do you handle setbacks or difficult periods in the business?
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Why this works
Shows you're thinking about the realities of small business ownership and demonstrates your interest in understanding their resilience and problem-solving approach.
13What technology or tools do you use to run the business, and are there areas where you'd like to improve?
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What technology or tools do you use to run the business, and are there areas where you'd like to improve?
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Why this works
Helps you understand the current systems and potential opportunities to contribute your skills or suggest improvements.
14How do you approach hiring and building your team?
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How do you approach hiring and building your team?
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Why this works
Gives you insight into their management style and helps you understand how they value and develop their employees.
15What's your biggest concern about the business right now, and how can I help address it?
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What's your biggest concern about the business right now, and how can I help address it?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your problem-solving mindset and shows you're already thinking about how you can add value to the company.
16How do you handle the financial aspects of the business, and what's your approach to budgeting?
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How do you handle the financial aspects of the business, and what's your approach to budgeting?
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Why this works
Shows you understand the importance of financial management in small businesses and helps you understand the company's financial priorities.
17What's your relationship with the local community, and how important is community involvement?
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What's your relationship with the local community, and how important is community involvement?
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Why this works
Helps you understand the company's values and community engagement, which can be important for your own involvement and satisfaction.
18How do you stay updated on industry trends and changes?
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How do you stay updated on industry trends and changes?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your interest in continuous learning and shows you're thinking about how the company stays current and competitive.
19What's the most important quality you look for in employees?
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What's the most important quality you look for in employees?
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Why this works
Helps you understand their priorities and values, and can guide how you present yourself and approach your work.
20How do you see this role evolving over the next few years?
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How do you see this role evolving over the next few years?
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Why this works
Shows you're thinking about long-term growth and helps you understand the potential trajectory of your role and responsibilities.
Interviewing with Small Business Owners
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Research the Business Thoroughly
Learn about their industry, competitors, and recent news. Small business owners appreciate candidates who show genuine interest in their specific business.
Show Understanding of Small Business Challenges
Demonstrate that you understand the unique challenges of small businesses, such as limited resources, wearing multiple hats, and the importance of every team member.
Ask About Growth and Development
Small business owners often value employees who want to grow with the company. Show interest in long-term opportunities and professional development.
Question Sequences
The Business Understanding Sequence
The Role and Growth Sequence
Common Pitfalls
Don't Ask About Benefits Too Early
Focus on the role and company first. Benefits discussions should come after you've established mutual interest.
Avoid Generic Questions
Tailor your questions to their specific business and industry. Generic questions show lack of preparation and interest.
Don't Underestimate the Role
Small business roles often require flexibility and multiple responsibilities. Show enthusiasm for wearing multiple hats.