Interview Questions That Help You Choose the Right Tech Role

Asking questions at the end of an interview is just as important as the answers you give throughout. Not only does it show genuine interest and preparation, but it’s also your opportunity to find out if the role, team, and company are truly the right fit for you.

This is a revamped version of our original 2017 guide, updated to reflect the changing expectations of candidates and hiring teams in today’s tech market, particularly across engineering, product, UX, and data roles.

While you can always follow up with your recruiter to clarify anything, making the most of your time face-to-face with your potential future employer is crucial. Below, we've pulled together a refreshed list of thoughtful, role-relevant questions to help you get the clarity you need.

Understanding the Company

Tactfully exploring the company’s goals, culture, and strategic direction can offer valuable insight into where it's heading, and whether it aligns with your own ambitions and values.

Questions to consider...

1. What are the company’s top strategic goals for the next 12–18 months, and how does this role contribute toward achieving them
2. What are the key blockers or challenges the team is currently facing in meeting these goals?
3. Who are your key competitors, and what differentiates your approach in the market?
4. Where do you believe your strengths lie relative to competitors, and what areas are still in development or underperforming?
5. Can you share anything about the company's recent financial performance or runway (if relevant)?
6. What draws top talent to the company and keeps them engaged here?
7. What are some common reasons strong performers move on from the company, and where do they typically go next?
8. Are there any misconceptions people have about the company and /or what surprises people most after they join?
9. How does the company approach emerging technologies e.g. AI and automation? Are you focused on innovation, stability, or a balance of both?
10. What professional development or upskilling opportunities are available to the team?

 

About the Role & Team

Finding a cultural fit is important, but just as critical is making sure the role’s expectations, challenges, and opportunities match what you're looking for. These questions help you dig into the work you’ll actually be doing, how the team operates, and what success looks like.

1. Can you tell me more about my day-to-day responsibilities?
2. What would success look like in this role after 3, 6, and 12 months?What would success look like in this role after 3, 6, and 12 months?
3. What specific skills or traits do top performers in this role tend to share?
4. As my direct report, what are the three key priorities you’d like me to deliver early on?
5. What does the wider team structure look like, and how does this role fit within it?
6. What are some of the challenges the team is currently facing, and how could I help address them?
7. Can you describe a recent project that went really well—and one that didn’t? What were the learnings?
8. What’s the typical feedback process like (peer-to-peer, manager, etc.)?
9. Could you describe for me the skills or background of a person who previously achieved success in this position?
10. Can you tell me more about the people I’d be working most closely with, both functionally and cross-functionally?
11. What kind of autonomy does the role offer, and how are decisions typically made within the team?

If you're preparing for your next interview and want tailored advice or support in finding a new permanent or contract role in engineering, product, UX or data, we’d love to help.

📧 Contact us at: info@consortia.com
📞 Or call:  0203 397 4565.

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