Interviews can sometimes feel like an interrogation rather than a conversation that facilitates you demonstrating your skills and experience while also figuring out how compatible a candidate is. In fact, according to a survey from JDP, 93% of job candidates feel anxious during interviews.
And while you might think the opportunity to ask questions at the end of the interview is just a token gesture on behalf of the hiring manager, knowing what to ask can not only help shed some light on what it's like to work for the company you're interviewing with, but also give more insight into the kind of employee you are.
So instead of side-stepping asking questions during your interview, embrace it. Below are some essential questions to consider.
1. What is the best thing about working here?
This question can be illuminating for a number of reasons but if your interviewer stalls before answering or visibly struggles to come up with a definitive answer, it's safe to assume there aren't many positive attributes to share. However, this question can also provide positive details about company culture.
2. What is the biggest challenge in this role?
If you relish rolling your sleeves up, this question will show your interviewer that you don't shy away from difficult tasks or problems and instead focus on finding the solution. It's a good idea to prepare an example of how you dealt with a challenging time in a previous role so you can weave this into the conversation.
3. How would you describe company culture?
You'll likely have read up on company values ahead of your interview or before you applied for the job (and if you haven't, make this a priority going forward) but values listed on a website don't always give a depiction of day-to-day culture, so asking questions can help you get a better and more rounded idea of what it would be like to work there.
4. Is this a newly created role or am I replacing someone?
This question is a good way to gauge growth as newly created roles tend to indicate this. And if you find out that you're interviewing for a role that was previously held by someone, ask if they are moving on or if they've been promoted internally as this will give you a good idea of the evolution of the role.
5. What upcoming projects should I know about?
From chunky projects that require all hands on deck to opportunities to support more senior members of staff, finding out what is coming down the tracks is a great way to demonstrate your enthusiasm and also highlight what you could bring to the table.
Ready to put your improved interview knowledge to the test? The Tech Times Job Board is filled with hundreds of opportunities in tech companies that are actively hiring, like the three below.
Sr Product Researcher- UX, Lowe's, Charlotte
As a Senior Product Researcher you'll be tasked with establishing the methodology and tactical direction for all usability testing and research associated with assigned projects. This includes partnering closely with architects, designers, prototypes, and content developers to deliver quality and timely research results and information to project teams in support of the design process. This role also manages the recruitment of research participants as well as key relationships with research vendors. Applicants should have a Bachelor's degree in anthropology, psychology, human-computer interaction or human factors, five years' of experience in UX research or product management and experience running large-scale usability and research studies. Find out more details here.
Software Integration Developer/Principal Developer (eQube platform), Northrop Grumman, MD
The enterprise services team at Northrop Grumman is seeking an experienced Software Integration Developer to provide technical support for the mission systems product lifecycle management (MPLM) program. In this role you'll be tasked with analyzing, designing and building software changes, providing an exciting opportunity to work on implementing features such as digital threads and digital twins. To apply you'll need a Bachelor's degree in computer science or computer engineering along with a minimum of three years' of experience with large software systems, build tools, a programming language like Java/Javascript, C++ or C# along with experience working with eQube. See the full job description here.
Firmware Engineer - AirPods, Apple, San Diego
The AirPods firmware team is looking for an enthusiastic Firmware Engineer to join the ranks. In this role, you will work with a wide cross-functional team to continually innovate the technology implemented in products and develop the technical development of the audio platform of Apple products. Day-to-day you'll implement new products and product features, collaborate with marketing and cross-functional engineering teams to define product features and requirements and design, implement, debug, and test embedded C/C++ code running on Apple-branded audio products. Applicants should have a Bachelor's or Master's degree in computer science, computer engineering or electrical engineering, five-plus years' proven excellence in firmware, device driver or equivalent experience, solid C/C++ coding abilities and knowledge of audio, DSP and bluetooth technologies. Apply for this opportunity here.
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