If you’re in the running for a promotion or any new position at your company, you need to know how to ace your upcoming interview. That’s easier said than done, of course. But you can make an impression with your current (or future) boss by asking the right questions.
Not sure where to start? We’ll explore ten important questions to ask your new boss to show them you mean business and that you’re the best pick for an open position.
Ask your prospective boss how exactly the open role affects company operations and development. By asking this, you show your boss that you’re interested in how you can contribute to the organization as a whole, not just in what you’ll have to do in your day-to-day routine. It’s an effective query to showcase the fact that you’re promotion or management material.
At some point in the interview, ask your boss how the position has changed or evolved from its past iterations. This can give you key insights into:
– Your future responsibilities
– How it may evolve in the future
– Whether the job is right for your skill set
More importantly, it’s another way to show your boss that you’re thinking critically about the position and what you’ll be called to do. The clearer you can show your boss this trait, the better.
Most promotional slots or management jobs require cross-departmental collaboration. To that end, it might be a wise idea to inquire as to the departments you’ll work with the most.
Such a question shows you’re already thinking about how best to collaborate with your coworkers. These queries demonstrate that you have a collaborative mindset: an essential quality in any to-be-promoted officer.
There’s no harm in being direct — in fact, speaking directly can make you seem confident to your superiors. With that in mind, ask about the qualities your boss is looking for in the new hire. It doesn’t matter if you think you have those qualities. Simply asking about them allows you to then respond positively.
For example, if your boss says they are looking for a commanding presence, you can:
-Break down times where you lead a team to success
-Explain stories where you showcased your skills
-Review positive feedback from your last team leader
Similarly, you should ask your boss what they liked most about the person who held the job before you. This isn’t to emulate them, per se. It’s to draw attention to the fact that you can be better than they ever were.
You’ll need to be tactful during this conversation, of course. But asking it can help your boss see that you might exceed their expectations once you point out your positive qualities and workplace advantages.
Some positions don’t stay the same forever. It may be wise to ask about future plans for the job — for instance, does your boss believe the position will still be around next year?
This question shows you are always thinking about the future, which can help to make a positive impression. But it’ll also give you more information about whether the job is the right move for your career ambitions.
The deeper you inquire into the open job, the more you show yourself to be a critical thinker. Ask your boss why the position is available; if it’s for a sensitive reason, like personality disputes, don’t inquire further.
However, if it’s for more practical reasons, you can use this opportunity to explain how you won’t cause the same issues for the company should you get the position.
Take care not to ask this question like you assume you’ve already got the job, but ask it nonetheless. Inquiring as to role transition responsibilities shows you are prepared to handle any extra work that may come with the promotion right away. It shows preparedness and forward-thinking, which bosses always like.
As mentioned earlier, directness is an important quality to cultivate in any job interview. Don’t wait for your boss to broach salary concerns (hint: they likely won’t). Instead, directly ask how much they expect to pay you.
Again, this demonstrates confidence. It further allows you to open salary negotiations if you want to ensure you’re paid a certain amount of money should you receive the position you’re interviewing for.
Lastly, consider asking your boss whether they have any personal reservations about your suitability for the open job. If they do, now’s your chance to assuage those concerns or directly counter any worries they may have.
For instance, your boss may admit they don’t know if you have the education necessary for a management job. You can point out instances where you went above and beyond or highlight other credentials on your resume or cover letter.
These ten questions are great ways to make a positive impression and show your boss you’re the right fit, especially for a promotion. They’ll prove you’re the ideal candidate for a job – and we should know, as recruitment experts who know getting aces in their places is more important than ever.
Check out Pocketbook Agency’s collection of resources to win your next job interview!
Sources:
Ace the Interview | Harvard Business Review
Nine Ways to Interview with Confidence | Forbes
What to Say When Negotiating Salary in a Job Offer | US News & World Report