Good Questions to Ask Hiring Manager Reddit
The answer lies in the intention and structure of the questions you ask. When you think about it, the interview isn’t just about the company evaluating you; it’s also your chance to assess whether the company is a good fit for you. A well-structured set of questions can reveal more about the company’s culture, expectations, and long-term vision, which is often hidden in the job description.
Let’s jump right into the most recommended questions according to Reddit users.
1. What does success look like for someone in this role after 6 months?
This question gives you insight into the company’s expectations. You’ll learn what is considered a successful employee and whether the goals are realistic. A Reddit user mentioned, “I once asked this question and the manager gave a vague answer—it was a red flag. A solid company should have clear benchmarks for success.”
2. How do you support professional growth and development?
Understanding how the company invests in its employees' development can tell you whether there’s a path for you to grow. As a Redditor shared, “I found out that one company had zero budget for professional development. It was an instant dealbreaker for me.”
3. Can you tell me about the team I’ll be working with?
Team dynamics can make or break your job experience. A hiring manager who is enthusiastic about their team and speaks positively about collaboration likely fosters a healthy work environment. If the manager dodges this question, it might be a red flag that the team isn’t in the best shape.
4. What are the biggest challenges the company is currently facing?
This question goes beyond your role to understand the broader company context. A Reddit user mentioned asking this question and found out the company was facing financial issues, which led to them reconsidering the offer. It also shows the manager that you're thinking beyond the immediate role and are concerned about the bigger picture.
5. How does the company handle feedback and reviews?
How feedback is handled says a lot about the company’s culture. Reddit users often warn to look out for companies that lack structured feedback mechanisms. “At one job, I found out they didn’t even do yearly performance reviews, and it was a chaotic experience.”
6. What opportunities are there for internal mobility?
If growth is important to you, this is a crucial question. Many Reddit users say it’s vital to find out how easy (or difficult) it is to move within the company. “One company I worked for was notorious for blocking internal transfers, and it made the work environment toxic.”
7. How would you describe the company culture?
Although this is a common question, the way it’s answered can be telling. Is the manager vague, or do they provide specific examples of how the company embodies its culture? One Redditor recounted, “The hiring manager went on and on about ‘work hard, play hard,’ which was code for long hours and little appreciation.”
8. How does the company support work-life balance?
This question has become especially important in the post-pandemic world. On Reddit, there are countless stories of people who asked this and realized that the company didn’t value work-life balance as much as they claimed. “I was told they offer unlimited PTO, but when I pressed for details, it turned out no one felt comfortable taking more than a week off per year.”
9. Can you provide examples of recent initiatives or projects that have positively impacted the company?
Asking this can give you a sense of whether the company is innovative and forward-thinking. It also allows the hiring manager to share accomplishments they’re proud of. A user mentioned that after asking this, they realized the company had no notable achievements in years, which made them reconsider the opportunity.
10. What are the next steps in the hiring process?
Closing your conversation with this question shows that you’re eager to move forward, and it gives you clarity on the timeline. “This helps reduce the anxiety of waiting for an answer and shows that you’re ready to take the next step,” a Redditor shared.
Key takeaways:
- The best questions show that you’ve done your research and are thinking long-term.
- Focus on growth, culture, and expectations. These are critical elements that will define your experience with the company.
- Pay attention to how the hiring manager answers your questions; it often reveals more than the actual content of their words.
Case Study: A Redditor's Experience
One Reddit user shared a story about interviewing for a tech company. After asking many of the questions mentioned above, they discovered that the company's definition of success was vague, the team environment was negative, and there were no clear growth opportunities. They declined the offer, but a few months later, the company went through massive layoffs. By asking the right questions, they dodged a bullet.
Mistakes to Avoid:
- Avoid Yes/No Questions: You want to open up a dialogue, not get shut down with a simple yes or no.
- Don’t Overwhelm the Hiring Manager: You don’t need to ask all 10 questions—pick the ones that are most important to you.
- Don’t Ask What You Could Find Online: Make sure your questions show that you’ve done your homework. Don’t ask about the company’s mission or basic details that are easily accessible.
Summary: When asking questions in an interview, focus on understanding the company’s culture, growth opportunities, and expectations. The right questions can give you invaluable insights and help you decide whether the company is the right fit for you. Reddit is a goldmine of advice from professionals who’ve been through it all, and the common thread is clear: good questions can set you apart and protect you from walking into a bad situation.
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