25 Best Career Growth Questions To Ask Your Manager

Throughout your career, your manager plays a key role in supporting your professional development. Some managers are better at doing that. But with these career questions to ask your manager, you can start powerful career conversations with them which are guaranteed to boost your development and open career doors for you. 

You must have a career conversation with your manager as regularly as you can. In fact, every one to one you have with your manager is an opportunity to advocate for yourself and identify growth opportunities.

These 25 good questions to ask your manager for career development are written in such a way that they not only allow you to gain clarity on where to focus your development efforts but also highlight your excellent work too, without sounding braggy or full of yourself. 

25 Career Questions To Ask Your Manager

1. This month/quarter/year I have already achieved great results (explain your recent wins). What else can I be doing to add more value?
2. I’ve proven myself a valuable contributor in difficult times, such as when (give an example). What are some of the challenges the team/department would face in the next year so that I can prepare and be in the best position to support us through them?
3. I’ve mastered a lot of aspects of my role which is evident in the great feedback I’m receiving from stakeholders. What else do I need to learn in my current role to be really successful?
4. I am really keen to expand my horizons. This would be valuable for the team too as I bring in fresh ideas and perspectives. What are some opportunities you are aware of for skills development outside of my current role? 
5. As I continue excelling in my current role I don’t want to become complacent. What other skills and knowledge must I develop to be next in line for a promotion? And if you were recently overlooked for promotion, check out this guide on how to advance in your career faster.
6. I want to continue growing my career in this team and department. What things should I be doing to align my career with the department’s goals for the next 2 years?
7. What are my strengths that you really value?
8. What am I doing well?
9. As I continue to excel in my current role, I’ve been putting a lot of thought and focus into my further development. Given my skills, abilities and interests what roles do you see as suitable for me in the future? 
10. I would like to develop X skill. This would {describe the positive impact, e.g. help distribute teamwork more evenly, take some work off your plate}. It would also be beneficial for my personal development. What are your thoughts about giving me the responsibility for {insert task allowing you to do this}?
11. Can you help me understand what is holding me back?
12. I use my strengths to deliver great results. But I’m on the lookout for growth and improvement. What are my blind spots?
13. What training would you recommend for me to advance in my career?
14. Recently, I was in a difficult situation with X. I did a great job navigating it. But I’m curious – how would you have approached the problem?
15. What should I stop doing? 
16. What are the 5 things I need to do to stay competitive in my field of work? This is critical to stay in charge of your career regardless of the economic landscape.
17. What would you expect me to be doing to demonstrate readiness for a promotion?
18. What are the skills and knowledge that differentiate my current level from the next level role?
19. I strongly believe I did a great job working on X. But I’m always looking for ways to improve. What could I have done better? Then ask What else could I be better at?
20. I understand the importance of connecting with and exposure to senior management. What are some ways I can elevate my profile in front of senior management? Check out these powerful networking questions to spark great conversations with them!
21. Who should I develop a better working relationship with? Can you facilitate an introduction or co-working opportunity?
22. I would like to focus my work where it would have the most impact. What are your and senior management’s priorities for this year/quarter?
23. I would really like to elevate my profile in front of other departments. What opportunities can you support me with to gain exposure to other teams?
24. Improving skill X would benefit the whole team by {explain how}. What are some ways I can develop this skill? Make sure you have a solid personal development plan to decide what skills are best to focus on.
25. I am interested in doing XYZ qualification. I considered the impact carefully and firmly believe it would allow me to improve inefficiencies/cut costs/increase revenue/explain benefits for the department. This will be a great return on the investment. What are your thoughts on {Company} sponsoring it?

Are you ready to take your career to the next level?

If you have an uninterested manager, asking them the right career questions can really open doors for you.

But there are so many other roadblocks which may really hold you back without you even realizing it! Like mindset, lack of confidence or motivation, fear of failure, hating your chosen career path and many more.

For a limited time only, I’m offering you to book a free 45-minute Career Path Game Plan call with me to help you identify those roadblocks and put a plan together to reach those career goals in record time!

You can book it in my diary here, no strings attached.

Are you in? I can feel that this is going to be game-changing for you!