Best Practices for Asking Questions in Tech Interviews

I've interviewed thousands of candidates in my professional career and one of the biggest missed opportunities for candidates is asking the interviewer thoughtful questions. Asking questions not only exhibits your interest in the role and your level of curiosity, but it gives the interviewer a sense for how you think. It's an opportunity to stand out against other candidates. In my experience, the best questions are the ones that show the candidate is truly assessing what it's like to work there and whether the company/role is the right fit for them, vs. just trying to land the job. No matter how many interviews you've had as a candidate, it's critical to come prepared to every interview with at least 2-3 thoughtful questions that ideally are specific to that interviewer. Some generic questions that most candidates ask: ❌ What is the culture like? ❌ What is work/life balance like? ❌ What do you like about working there? These questions are better than no questions at all, but you can generally get the answers to these questions from reading Glassdoor reviews, and they aren't a great use of the time you have with the interviewer. Instead, ask more detailed questions, like: ✅ What are some of the most interesting challenges the team has worked through recently? How did you collaborate with other teams to get the best outcomes? ✅ What does success in this role look like 6 months, a year, 3 years from now? ✅ I understand the company's values are X, Y, and Z. Can you share with me how those values have showed up in decision making recently? ✅ What has caused previous people in this role to be successful or unsuccessful in the role? What advice would you give a new hire to set themself up for success in this role? These are just a few examples, but what's really important is putting thought into the questions and showing your interest and curiosity. What are some of your favorite questions to ask interviewers?

I've interviewed 100s of people for 6-figure roles. (Here's what nobody tells you...) It's not the most qualified candidate who gets the job. It's the best prepared for the interview. How to prep like the top 1%: 1. Research the company like you already work there. ↳ Know their challenges, victories, and latest news. 2. Practice your answers out loud. ↳ What sounds good in your head may not when spoken. 3. Prepare 3 specific stories that showcase your skills. ↳ Focus on your adaptability and leadership. 4. Study the job description. Find the top 3 skills they want. ↳ Then craft examples proving you have them. 5. Do a mock interview with a trusted person. ↳ Someone who will give you honest feedback. 💡 And 7 questions to ask that make YOU stand out: 99% of candidates ask basic questions at the end. Don't waste this opportunity to impress! Ask these instead: ➟ What does success look like in the first 90 days? ➟ What are the biggest challenges facing the team that I could help solve? ➟ How would you describe the management style of the person I'd be reporting to? ➟ What distinguishes your top performers from everyone else? ➟ How does the company support professional development and growth? ➟ What made YOU decide to join this company, and what keeps you here? ➟ What do new employees find surprising after they start? The best candidates don't just answer questions. They create meaningful conversations. Remember: Interviews are a two-way street. You're evaluating them just as much as they are you. You spend 90,000 hours of your life at work. Choose a company and manager that support your growth. Your career will thank you. P.S. What's your best tip for nailing your interview? Share in the comments to help others prepare. ♻️ Valuable? Repost to share with your network. 🔖 Follow Justin Wright for more on career success. Want my 80 best cheat sheets? Get them here for free: BrillianceBrief.com   

This is the one thing interviewees often miss the mark on during interviews: (based on my years of experience interviewing and hiring at major tech companies and now my own company!) They don’t ask the right questions at the end! The questions you ask can be one of the biggest differentiators between you and another candidate. Here are 7 questions that I’ve found to be particularly effective: ✅ “Can you describe a typical day in this role?” → Gives you a sense of the role’s variety ✅ “How is success measured for this position?” → This shows you’re already putting yourself in the shoes of this role — and wanting to do well. ✅ “Can you share a time where your teammate gave you feedback and how you implemented it?” → Having your hiring manager be open to feedback is MAJOR! ✅ “What does a typical career progression look like in this role?” → This allows you to see how thought our career ladders are and how you might grow there. ✅ “How does this role contribute to the company’s overall goals?” → Always be thinking about company goals. It shows you’re strategic. ✅ “What are the biggest challenges facing the team/department right now?” → You can use this information for future interview projects and prepare ahead of starting, too. ✅ “What opportunities for professional development does the company offer?” → Shows your dedication to self-improvement. Remember, interviews are a two-way street. The questions you ask can reveal as much about you as your answers do. So, prepare thoughtfully and use this opportunity to assess if the role is the right fit for you. 💬 What are some questions you’ve used during interviews? Share them in the comments!