Questions to Ask in a Manager’s Position During an Interview
When you’re interviewing for a manager’s role, it’s easy to focus on preparing the perfect answers. But here’s the thing, your questions matter just as much. Knowing the top questions to ask in a manager’s position interview can help you stand out for all the right reasons.
This blog will explore essential interview questions for manager roles, covering team management, leadership expectations, company culture, and long-term goals, to help you assess the opportunity while leaving a strong impression.
Why You Should Ask Questions as a Managerial Candidate
As someone stepping into a leadership role, you’re not just looking for your next job — you’re looking for the right team to lead and grow with. Your decisions will shape how people work, how goals are met, and how challenges are handled. So, it’s only fair that you get a clear picture of what you’re stepping into.
Here’s why asking the right questions matters:
- It shows initiative – Great managers don’t just accept things at face value; they dig deeper to understand the bigger picture.
- It helps you assess fit – Culture, expectations, team dynamics, you deserve to know if it’s the right match.
- It builds credibility – Smart questions leave a lasting impression and position you as someone who’s ready to lead from day one.
According to Resume Build, candidates who ask thoughtful questions are 49% more likely to be seen as leadership-ready during interviews.
Why You Should Ask Questions as a Managerial Candidate
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Key Questions to Ask During a Manager Interview
Once you’ve gone through the standard interview back-and-forth, it’s your turn to dig a little deeper. The questions you ask can give you real insight into how the company views leadership, supports its teams, and tackles challenges.
Whether you’re wondering what to ask in a manager interview or looking for smart questions to ask in interviews, this list covers the essentials.
Here are key categories and examples to guide you:
1. Questions About Team Management
- How is the team currently structured?
- What are the biggest challenges the team is facing right now?
- What does success look like for this team in the next 6–12 months?
2. Leadership & Management Style Interview Questions
- How would you describe the leadership style of the organization?
- What management style tends to thrive here?
- How much autonomy would I have in managing my team?
3. Strategic Interview Questions
- What are the department’s top priorities this year?
- How does this role contribute to the company’s broader goals?
- What cross-functional collaboration is expected?
4. Behavioral Interview Questions for Managers
- Can you share an example of a recent challenge a manager faced here and how it was handled?
- How do you support managers in resolving team conflicts?
5. Questions About Company Culture & Fit
- How would you describe the company culture?
- What values are most important to the leadership team?
- How are feedback and performance typically handled?
6. Questions to Ask the Hiring Manager
- What qualities do you think make someone successful in this role?
- What’s your management philosophy?
- Is there anything about my background that gives you hesitation?
Key Questions to Ask During a Manager Interview
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Tips for Framing Your Questions
Asking great questions in a manager interview is one thing — framing those questions correctly is just as valuable! How you ask your questions can dictate the shape of the conversation, communicate your organizational skills, and leave a lasting impression.
Here are some tips to help you frame your questions effectively:
- Be Clear and Specific
Avoid vague questions. Instead of “Tell me about the team,” try “Can you describe the team’s current priorities and biggest challenges?” Clear questions get clear answers. - Show Genuine Curiosity
Let your questions reflect your real interest. Phrasing like “I’m curious about…” or “Can you help me understand…” makes your questions feel natural and sincere. - Keep It Conversational
An interview is a dialogue, not an interrogation. Use open-ended questions that invite stories and examples, like “How does the company support managers during tough projects?” - Balance Positive and Probing Questions
Mix questions that show enthusiasm (“What do you love most about working here?”) with ones that dig deeper into challenges (“What’s been the toughest leadership challenge recently?”). - Customize Your Questions Based on the Role and Company
Before you participate in your interview, consider reading up on the company first. When you customize your questions to their size, industry, and culture, that’s going to show that you care and that you’ve done your research. It’s an easy way to stand out. - Listen and Follow Up
When they answer your questions, really listen to their responses – don’t just wait for your turn. If something intrigues or needs clarification, don’t be scared to ask a follow-up. It shows that you are present, considerate, and willing to ask more questions.
Tips for Framing Your Questions: “Reframe This!” Quiz
Choose the best-framed interview question for each scenario.
❓ What’s a better way to ask about team structure?
❓ What’s a stronger question about leadership expectations?
❓ What’s the most thoughtful way to explore company goals?
Conclusion
Preparing for a managerial interview is not only considered having the best responses, but it is equally about knowing appropriate questions to ask when you’re being interviewed for a managerial position.
The questions will provide you insight into how the role will function, who your teammates will be, and what the company culture is like. When you are able to ask the appropriate questions, you will show that you are not looking for just any job, but the right leadership role, where there is an opportunity to make a purposeful impact.
