How to answer: "Any questions for me?"

If you've ever interviewed a candidate, no doubt you've wrapped the interview up by asking "Any questions for me?”

The questions asked by the candidate, and the answers you provide are so important as it gives insight into yourself as a manager, the team dynamic and the overall business. It also gives an indication of what your potential new team member really cares about. So when the interview tables turn, no need to fear, we’ve compiled the most common interview questions candidates may ask, and how to answer them.

How would you describe the culture of the business?
This is probably one of the first questions that will be asked and is where the candidate is hoping to gauge whether the company and team culture align with what they’re looking for. They may ask about what you would like to change. Be honest about how things are - setting an unrealistic expectation may mean that you are re-recruiting the role a few months down the track. 

Can you tell me about your ideal employee?
No job-seeker is looking for an answer along the lines of ‘Sarah the Store Manager’. Coming from retail they’re expecting to hear answers with attributes like hard-working, driven, team-player, or sales focused. Dive into the WHY of why ‘Sarah the Store Manager’ is an ideal employee in your book, and what a hard-working store manager looks like to you. The candidate is looking to see if their own qualities align with your response. 

What do you love about coming to work? 
A manager who dreads the thought of coming in each morning will rub that attitude off on their team and impact morale. An engaged manager who cares for the company, its purpose and seeing their team succeed will make all the difference. Be as positive as you can, relate why you love coming to work back to your company values where possible as it shows a cohesive environment. Even mention the great office coffee machine (or your equivalent) if you must! 

Having these answers prepared is a sure-fire way to show that you’re invested in your work and building a solid team, it will also show the candidate that you’ve taken the time to put in the effort and prepare for their interview questions.