Essential Interview Questions Every Hiring Manager Should Ask

April 11, 2025
Essential Interview Questions Every Hiring Manager Should Ask

Sure, the interview process may seem like a more stressful position for the job seeker, but a lot of the burden falls on the hiring manager, too. After all — it’s in the company’s best interest to find the right professional for the role and mitigate the risk of a bad hire.

Here are 3 essential questions hiring managers should ask candidates during the interview process:

1. “In what ways can your expertise and strengths contribute to the success of this role?”

Asking this question provides a few key insights. First, it challenges the candidate to articulate their current understanding of the role and how their skill set aligns. The query also demonstrates their problem-solving skills and how they might approach challenges in the role, as well as broader considerations including cultural fit and team dynamics.

2. “What strategies do you use to stay productive and meet deadlines in a high-pressure environment?”

Deadlines and priorities come with any job. But how the individual in the seat manages these pressures, that’s where it can vary.

By asking this question in the interview process, companies get a window into the candidate’s reliability and consistency in meeting deadlines, which is essential for maintaining workflow and productivity in the HR and accounting and finance sectors.

It also reveals how the candidate copes with stress — ensuring they can maintain performance levels during busy periods.

3. “Why are you leaving your current job?”

This inquiry may appear innocuous at first glance, but can actually expose red flags and deeper motivations behind a candidate’s search. If the job seeker, shares negative comments about their manager or current company, for example, this may trigger some alarm bells about the professional’s temperament and adaptability. Their response can also highlight if the position meets their expectations when it comes to responsibilities, career growth and work environment.

Discover Your Perfect Fit

In any market, the one competitive advantage for companies that remains unchanging: its talent. But finding the right people requires more than asking a few key questions in an interview. Century Group’s team of recruiting and staffing experts do all the leg-work for its clients — from screening to managing salary negotiations — so businesses can feel confident in their hiring decisions. Have a need? Contact our team today.

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