How to Identify a Great Manager on an Interview

Here are some great key questions to ask in your job interview!!!

When you're job hunting, let’s be real—your boss can make or break your experience. Honestly, your relationship with them might matter even more than the company culture itself. That’s why it’s so important to ask the right questions during your interviews. It’s not just about learning more about the role or the company; it’s also about figuring out if you and your future manager are going to click.

Here are some ideas to help you figure out if the manager you’d be working with is actually the right fit for you:

Getting a feel for the company culture

Culture can make or break your experience, so it’s worth getting your future manager’s perspective. You can ask things like:

• How would you describe the company culture in a few words?

• Are there any career development opportunities here?

• What do you enjoy most about working here?

  
  

Understanding their management style

A good manager can seriously make all the difference. To get a sense of how they lead, try asking:

• How would you describe your management style?

• How often do you check in with your team—one-on-one or as a group?

• Can you tell me about a time you dealt with an underperforming team member?

Learning about team dynamics

It’s good to know what kind of team you’re walking into and how you’d fit in. Ask things like:

• What’s a habit your best team members have that you value in new hires?

• What’s the last team win you celebrated?

• How do you see someone new contributing to the team?

Evaluating work ethic and expectations

You want to know how your work will be evaluated and what’s expected of you. Try these questions:

• How do you measure individual performance?

• What does a typical day or week look like in this role?

• What would success look like for me in the first six months?

Asking these questions shows you’re not just looking for any job—you’re looking for the right one. They’ll give you the insight you need to see if the role, team, and manager truly align with your goals and values. It’s your chance to make sure this is a place where you can thrive, grow, and feel excited to show up every day!