Ten good interview questions and eight to avoid.

With software and tech businesses, it’s tough for me to write a list of technical questions you can ask at the interview.

Each tech stack, architecture and method of working is different, so it’s advisable to have a mix of some insightful technical questions about the projects, technologies or processes prepared.

However, here’s a list of mainly non-technical questions that you could ask that will set you apart from the rest.

Notice that the questions are open questions, designed to get the conversation flowing, instead of just a yes/no answer.

Good questions to ask

• What does your development process look like, and what are you planning to do to improve on it?
• What are some of your initiatives regarding learning and development?
• What are the goals of the company/team in the short and long term?
• How would you describe the working environment and culture?
• What types of career opportunities may open up for someone like me, and how is my performance measured?
• What does a typical day look like in this role?
• What do you think are the essential qualities to have to excel in this role?
• Whom do you consider a top competitor and why?
• What do you consider the most significant challenges to be facing this team at the moment?
• What do you like about working for this company?

Questions to avoid

If you have done your research, you should know the answers to most of these.

The others are questions that may give the wrong initial impression, of course, they are essential to know, but your recruiter should have the answers for you.

• When was your company established?
• Can you tell me about your company?
• What’s your position?
• Why did my predecessor leave?
• What’s the salary on offer?
• Will I have to work overtime?
• Can I work from home?
• How long is the lunch break?