Search “hotel management interview questions” and you’ll find hundreds of articles outlining the questions you’ll most likely be asked to answer at your next hotel management interview. This time, we’re turning the tables with 16 questions you can ask. Whether you focus on a specific category of query or mix them all together, the answers to these questions should help you decide if you’ll enjoy the job, avoid a culture that isn’t the right fit, and—if the opportunity is ideal for you—may even help you land the position.

To discover the hotel/hiring manager’s “pain point,” ask…

• What are the hotel’s short (this year) and long-term goals?
• What is this department’s biggest opportunity? What is its biggest challenge?
• How does this particular management position fit within the hotel’s operational structure?

Sure, hotel leadership wants to hire a professional who has the skills necessary to perform the day-to-day functions of the job. But more than that, they want to hire the individual who can best solve their problems and address their “pain point.” Use these questions to gather more details on the big picture as well as look for opportunities to contribute solutions.

To learn more about the hotel/hiring manager’s expectations, ask…

• What are the measurements you consider when evaluating the performance of your hotel managers? How often do you evaluate their performance?
• What do you hope the next person in this particular management position will do differently?
• What are the three most important things the person in this management position needs to accomplish within his/her first year?

Success is impossible without a clear understanding of expectations. Use these questions to gather additional details about the job as well as the challenges you’re likely to face.

To explore advancement opportunities, ask…

• Why is this particular management position available?
• How long have you been with the hotel? Have you held other positions here?

Ideally, the answer to the first question should be because he/she was promoted—especially if you want to join an organization where you can work your way higher up the leadership ladder. The second question should provide further detail on internal advancement opportunities and typical career paths within the hotel.

To discover the hotel’s culture, ask…

• How would you describe this hotel’s culture and personality?
• What types of people are most successful here?
• Why do you enjoy working here?
• How do you and your team communicate? How do the hotel’s leaders communicate with the management team?
• Would it be possible to meet the rest of the leadership team and the team that this management position supervises?

Company culture and coworkers play an enormous role in job enjoyment and satisfaction, regardless of industry. Ask these questions to learn more about the personality of the organization as well as the other professionals with whom you’ll be spending your days.

Before you wrap things up, ask…

• When do you expect to make a hiring decision?
• What should I expect as far as the next steps?
• Do you have any concerns about my qualifications that I can address before I go?

If you want to develop an effective follow-up strategy—and eliminate much of the worry that so often follows a job interview—you need the answers to these questions. Use the hiring manager’s responses to schedule your check-in calls/emails as well as provide additional details that could increase your chances of being hired.