Never end your interview with a hiring manager asking this question:
- How would you describe the company's culture?
Instead, prepare a list of the top 5 things you're looking for in your next role, and why you want them (scroll to the bottom of this post for a link to the template). Then ask:
- "I prepared a list of what I'm looking for in my next role. Can I take two minutes to walk you through it and get your honest opinion as to how well this open position would fit what I'm looking for?
This is effective because:
- You get the most intel from this question to inform your decision
- You give your hiring manager a better idea as to who you are as a candidate
- No one else does this, so you stand out (in a positive way)
No one will ever answer "no" if they're serious about you. Why? Because they want to ensure that it's a good fit on BOTH sides. If they do say "no," then I'd cut the interview short.
Want the template? Click HERE. By the way, this template has helped me stay true to who I am and what I want to do outside of the interviewing context. I recalibrate my 5 WHAT'S and 5 WHY'S every 3 months. It helps me stay clear in my communication when I'm speaking in ANY professional setting. I hope this helps.