Questions to Ask HR vs. Hiring Manager in an Interview
In the following article we will go through good questions to ask as an interviewee, covering both the HR interview and the one with the Hiring Manager.
Quickfire Questions to Elevate Your Interview
🚀 Keep this handy when you need sharp, impactful questions on the fly!
✅ Print this sheet and bring it to your interview for easy reference.
P.S I keep it next to my monitor during remote interviews.
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How Asking Good Questions as an Interviewee Makes You Memorable
Picture this: you’re in an interview. Your palms are sweaty, knees weak, and arms are heavy (yes, like that Eminem song). Then, the interviewer finally flips the script and asks, “Do you have any questions for us?”
This is not the time to panic or blurt out, “Uh… when’s payday?”
Instead, use these thoughtful, conversation-starting questions. They make you look like a pro. They also help you decide if you actually want to work there.
Let’s dive in!
Team & Workflow Insights: Digging Into Day-to-Day Dynamics
The people you work with and the way work gets done will significantly impact your happiness and success. After all, you’re signing up to spend 40+ hours a week with them.
Knowing whether the team’s dynamics match yours can save you from accidentally joining a chaotic free-for-all.
💡 Pro Tip: Don’t wait until the end of the interview to ask questions — sprinkle them in naturally throughout the conversation for a more fluid discussion.
- How is the team structured, and how do people collaborate?
Understanding whether the team works in small, cross-functional pods or large independent units is important. It gives you insight into communication styles and reporting structures. You can also see how your day-to-day interactions look.
Example: If the team thrives on constant collaboration but you prefer more autonomy, this might be a red flag.
2. Can you walk me through a typical day in this role?
Because “typical day” can mean anything from collaborative brainstorms to staring at Jira tickets while contemplating your life choices. Understanding the rhythm of the day will help you visualize your work life — and maybe avoid death by a thousand Zoom meetings.
3. What tools and tech stack does the team rely on most?
There’s nothing worse than scoring a job and then realizing the team’s stuck using tools that are older than your grandma’s recipes, or systems you’ve never even heard of. Asking this shows you’re already plotting your grand entrance — no tech disasters waiting to happen.
4. How does the team celebrate wins?
Do they throw spontaneous pizza parties, or is it a polite Slack emoji reaction? Knowing how the team acknowledges victories can tell you a lot about the vibe. After all, we all need a little confetti now and then.
5. How are decisions typically made?
Is it democracy, dictatorship, or decision-by-who-speaks-loudest? Understanding the decision-making process helps you gauge whether you’ll have a voice or just be a passive observer in the corporate soap opera.
📌 Key Takeaway: Knowing the team vibe lets you figure out if you’ll be riding high on energy or drowning in a sea of exhaustion.
Culture & Growth Conversations: Understanding the Bigger Picture
Company culture isn’t just about ping-pong tables and free snacks — it shapes everything from how people talk to each other to how they handle a crisis. And figuring out how success is measured helps you decide if you can actually see yourself growing there long-term.
1. What’s a current challenge the team is focused on solving?
This is your “I’m here to solve problems” moment. Plus, it’s a sneaky way to show how your past experiences can help them with their struggles. If you’ve got a relevant success story, drop it like it’s hot.
2. How is success measured in this role — both short and long term?
You can’t grow if you don’t know what the hell you’re aiming for. Knowing how they measure performance helps you decide if their version of success fits with your life goals — or if you’ll be stuck chasing a mirage.
3. How would you describe your management style?
Your manager can either be your greatest ally or the reason you drink too much coffee. Knowing if they’re hands-off or micromanaging helps you figure out if you’ll vibe with their style — or if you’ll want to start looking for a new job.
4. What are the company’s core values?
Let’s get to the heart of the company — what do they actually stand for? Are they all about integrity, innovation, or just checking boxes for the sake of looking good? You want to know if their values actually align with your own, or if you’re about to walk into a workplace where “values” are just trendy buzzwords.
5. How would you describe the company culture?
Finally, the culture check. Are they a work-hard-play-hard crew, or do they genuinely value work-life balance? Do they support learning and growth, or are those just buzzwords for the job posting?
📌 Key Takeaway: An interview is a two-way street. You’re not just trying to impress them — you’re making sure they deserve you. So go ahead, ask the questions, and find a workplace that feels like a win.
Why These Questions Make You Stand Out
Asking thoughtful questions signals that you’re not just job-hunting. You’re evaluating carefully whether this opportunity aligns with your long-term vision. It subtly reminds interviewers that hiring is a two-way street. You bring just as much value to the table as the company itself.
Plus, interviewers are more likely to remember candidates who spark engaging, meaningful conversations. Long after they’ve spoken to other applicants, they’ll recall the person who asked insightful questions that went beyond surface-level curiosity.
🔑 Example: Instead of just asking about team collaboration, follow up with:
“Can you share an example of a time when strong collaboration helped the team achieve a major goal?”
This transforms the question from generic to memorable — and encourages the interviewer to envision you as part of the team.
Own Your Next Interview with Confidence
An interview isn’t just about proving you’re capable. It’s about deciding if the company, team, and role truly align with your goals. You must ensure they align with your values too. The questions above help you gather the intel you need. They also position you as a proactive and thoughtful candidate. This shows you’re invested in making the right choice.
🔖 Action Steps:
✅ Print out this cheat sheet, or keep it handy during virtual interviews.
✅ Practice your delivery with a friend or mentor.
✅ Customize the questions to suit the company and role you’re applying for.
✅ Ready to level up your interview skills? Try Final Round AI — your personal interview coach that’s got the expert feedback you need. It’ll help you sharpen your responses, boost your confidence, and make sure you don’t completely blank when the big question hits.
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Quick Cheat Sheet
🎯 Remember: Your future self will thank you for asking the hard questions today.
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