Chipress

An interview runs in two ways: while the interviewer is testing you and evaluating your potential, you should also assess if the team is suitable for you.

You should typically expect a question from your interviewer at the end of each interview: “any questions for me”. This is the opportunity to express your interests in the position and show your qualifications one more time. When not given such opportunities, you should still be proactive and ask these questions anyway.

Asking HR

1. When do I expect to get updates of my job application?
2. What is the timeline of the overall hiring process?
3. What kind of team building activities do you have, and how often?

Asking Hiring Manager

1. How would you describe your ideal candidate?
2. In performance review, what do you value the most for your direct reports?
3. What is a common career path at the company for someone in this position?
4. What expectations do you have for me in one or two years, if I were offered this position?
5. If I join the team, what will be my immediate responsibilities, and which area can I immediately contribute to?
6. How many people are currently in your team, and what is the distribution between senior and junior engineers?

Asking Leaders and Higher Management

1. How do you think our industry will change in the next five years?
2. What is the company’s biggest challenge, and how is it planning to meet the challenge?
3. What do you think gives this company an edge over its competitors?

Asking Future Co-worker

1. What is your daily workflow?
2. How does a typical day look like for you?
3. What motivates you to work here every day?
4. How would you describe the work environment at the company?
5. What is the most enjoyable part of your job, and what is the most challenging part?