5 Questions Managers Always Ask In an Interview

One of the most important parts of finding a job is the interview. I mentioned my husband is a professional geek; well he is also a hiring manager. So, I decided to pick his brain to find out what those geeky managers are looking for in a candidate. I wanted to give insight to techies who might have the qualifications but for some reason aren't getting the job. What is that certain something managers are looking for?

Well, let me give you the 5 questions, and more importantly the answers, my husband ALWAYS asks every candidate he interviews:

1) Have you used our product?

- The best way to answer this question is with a resounding, yes! Constructive criticisms are ok, but never say that you don’t like it, or you prefer a competitor’s product, unless you have a silver tongue and can phrase it with a positive spin.

2) What is your ideal work environment?

-The only answer to this question is an honest one. The manager is trying to find out if you will fit into this office environment. Do you like to be micromanaged? Are you ok with working 60 hour weeks? If you lie and don’t like where you end up you won’t last long. The management wants people who not only have the skill set, but who fit in with the group.

3) What do you do in your spare time? Or if the person is currently unemployed, What do you do to keep your skills sharp? Do you have any side projects?

-You must have something related to the position for which you are being interviewed. Most techies live, eat and breathe their occupation. If someone is applying for an IT position they might answer, “Well, I just rewired my house so the four computers we have are now networked together.”

4) Managers also like to ask ridiculous questions to see how seriously the candidate will take the question. For example, if someone is applying for a Quality Assurance position they might ask “QA a toaster for me”

-A manager wants to see if the candidate will seriously assess the question and give a well thought out response, or are they going to blow it off. It is important for a manager to know the people they rely on will do what they are told, even if the employee doesn’t understand. And if the employee doesn’t understand will they care enough to ask for clarification.

5) Do you have any questions for me?

- A well thought out question involving the job, environment, or company is necessary. This is an answer that should be considered before the interview. Someone with questions is seriously interested in the position. If you don’t have any questions the interviewer might get the impression that you just want any job, not the right job.