IT Employment

are looking for. Question 1 is perfectly reasonable to ask if given the opportunity, though I wouldn't ask it. What I would do is ask for a tour of the department/division/whatever. Then you can ask where you might be placed and you would get your answers, but much more professionally.

2. I wouldn't ask it that way. You may wish to ask about their project methodology. Or What a typcial day would be like for you and the team you would bw workign with.

3. See my #2. What you are asking is about how they do project management in the company.

Keep in mind you want to ask targeted questions about the position so that you can relate how you are the best person to fit that role. It isn't what they can do for you, but what you can do for them that matters in an interview.

As a hiring manager, I wouldn't want someone that was not adaptable to my office environment. I once sat on a kitchen floor for several months because the company was growing and the new furniture hadn't arrived yet. I enjoyed working for that company and had they not sold when they did I would still be there.

as a hiring manager....

1. Thats a broad question. Be more specific if you want a specific answer. Try "Tell me a little about the working environment"

2. Some managers may misinterpret that - try "Tell me about your project management process - how do you prioritise projects, how do you track projects"

3 - related to 2.

I don't know that a hiring manager would come out and say they have toxic employees. But if they ask you questions (more than one) about how you might deal with difficult co-workers - thats a red flag.

Micromanagement - that begs the question around who assigns work, who monitors and tracks work. I don't know that most micromanagers think they are though, so you wont get a correct answer even if they are honest.

One question that should really help - what are the biggest challenges your department is facing. Ask that one.

James

as a hiring manager....

1. Thats a broad question. Be more specific if you want a specific answer. Try "Tell me a little about the working environment"

2. Some managers may misinterpret that - try "Tell me about your project management process - how do you prioritise projects, how do you track projects"

3 - related to 2.

I don't know that a hiring manager would come out and say they have toxic employees. But if they ask you questions (more than one) about how you might deal with difficult co-workers - thats a red flag.

Micromanagement - that begs the question around who assigns work, who monitors and tracks work. I don't know that most micromanagers think they are though, so you wont get a correct answer even if they are honest.

One question that should really help - what are the biggest challenges your department is facing. Ask that one.

James

I think these questions are completely appropriate. I have been in the IT field for more than 12 years. In those 12 years I have seen the quality and work ethic of the average new employee (CS or MIS graduate) go down and Management become more meddlesome and obtuse. There is a huge misconception out there that if you are technical you need managed and your hand held.

If the hiring manager is so insecure that he doesn't like that question, you don't want to work for him 9or her).

I think that if you want the job, you should remember to be flexable and not come across as an inflexible pain-in-the-rump, hard to please employee.

If you do you will probably NOT get the job.

Later if you get the job, when you have proven your worth and are not so easily replacable, you can then voice your concerns about problems and good managment will probably appease you.

Depends on how badly you need the job--for sure.
I mean if you need it bad enough, take it and keep looking for another, and if those problems occurr and no one wants to help you have a place where you can work, then its your call--you can take the next offer that comes along and say, "Sorry Charlie"

Just my two cents worth.