20 Impressive Tech Questions to Ask the Interviewer

Preparing for a job interview in the tech industry goes beyond just knowing the right answers to common interview questions.

Tech interviews are a two-way street, so you should also prepare questions to ask your interviewer. These must be specific and related to the role or company to set yourself apart from other candidates.

In today's article, we'll list 20 questions you can ask during a tech job interview. We'll also share the importance of asking questions.

Why Should You Ask Questions During the Technical Interview?

Below are the common reasons why you should prepare good questions to ask in an interview at a tech company:

Stand Out from the Competition

Asking thought-provoking questions helps you get noticed by recruiters and stand out in an interview.

It shows that you're well prepared and did your research about the tech role or company. This increases your chances of landing the job.

It's also a simple yet effective way to differentiate yourself from the top tech talent. This person may have similar technical abilities and soft skills, but they lack the same level of curiosity and enthusiasm.

Show Genuine Interest in the Role

When you ask questions to the interviewer, you demonstrate your interest in the specific role. You are eager to understand how you can contribute to the company, which can leave a positive impression on the recruiter.

You can also show your curiosity and thought process by asking an interview question. Being inquisitive is important in most customer-facing roles, such as tech sales, customer success, and project management.

Remember, tech companies are looking for people who are not just qualified, but also enthusiastic about the opportunity. They don't hire candidates who seem overconfident or disinterested in professional development.

By asking questions, you’re basically saying that this isn’t just any job to you. Instead, it’s a role that you’re excited about and want to succeed in.

Clarify Expectations and Challenges

It’s one thing to read a job description, but it’s another to understand the real expectations and challenges of the role.

Asking questions allows you to learn more about the job. This gives you a clearer picture of whether your skills align with the position's requirements.

You can inquire about the specific projects you’d be working on, the key challenges the team is facing, and the typical career path for a particular role.

Determine if the Role and Company Are a Good Fit

Most candidates focus on impressing the interviewer. However, you should also use the interview as an opportunity to assess if the role and company are right for you.

By asking specific questions, you can gain valuable insights into the team's culture, work-life balance, and management style that may not be obvious in the job description.

This helps you avoid accepting a role that might look great on paper but doesn’t match your long-term career goals or personal preferences.

For example, if you prioritize work-life balance, ask about remote work options or flexibility in working hours.

But if career development is more important, you can inquire about tech career mentorship programs or other opportunities for learning new skills.

Sample Questions to Ask in a Tech Job Interview

After understanding the importance of asking questions, you can prepare a list of queries for the interview. Here are example questions you can ask for different interviewer roles.

Hiring Manager

You'll typically have the first interview with the hiring manager. This professional has a deep understanding of the role and how it fits into the bigger picture of the organization’s goals.

You should focus on asking questions regarding the company culture and role expectations. Below are some popular examples:

1. What does your team's best, most effective, [Role] do differently than the others (Average Performer)?
2. How is performance measured in this role? Are there specific metrics or goals I should be aware of?
3. Fast forward to one year, and you're looking back on this hire. What did they do to exceed every expectation?
4. What is an example of exceeding expectations in this role?
5. What goals has the CEO set for you over the next 6 months? How can this hire help you achieve them?
6. How has this position changed over time? And what changes in responsibility might this role see in the future?
7. What is the onboarding process like for new employees? How long does it usually take for someone to feel fully integrated?
8. Besides what's available [Be Specific] on your company's website, are there any resources you can recommend I dig into to get up to speed quickly?

Team Leaders or Management-Level Leaders

Team leaders or other management-level leaders, such as the engineering manager or CTO, shape the direction of the team and projects.

Asking the following questions can help you better understand the team’s goals, challenges, and the direction of the company’s tech initiatives:

1. What are some challenges or areas of opportunity your team is experiencing that, once addressed, will make your team even stronger? How do you see this role contributing to closing the gap?
2. How does the team stay updated on industry trends and technological advancements?
3. What’s an example of process or policy changes that were made based on feedback from team members or employees?
4. How does the company listen to its employees? Is there a feedback mechanism in place?
5. I noticed on your company’s website that [Core Value] is a core value. How do you see that value manifest in the technical department?

Peers

During the final rounds of the tech job interview, you may get a chance to talk to future peers or teammates. This is the perfect opportunity to ask about the day-to-day work environment and team dynamics.

Consider asking the questions below:

1. Describe your ideal teammate. Who do you enjoy working with?
2. Can you share your experience working here? What do you enjoy most about being on this team?
3. Have you experienced professional growth while working at this company? In what way(s)?
4. How do you see this team evolving in the next year or two, and what role could I play in that evolution?
5. Can you describe the team's communication and collaboration style and how I can fit into that dynamic effectively?
6. What do you believe sets someone apart from others who thrive in this role, and how can I prepare myself to excel in those areas?
7. How does the team typically handle challenges or setbacks, and what role do team members play in finding solutions?

Simple Tips for Asking Tech Interview Questions

Now that you’ve got a list of thoughtful questions for different interviewers, it's time to learn how to approach them. The way you frame your questions can provide deeper insights into the role and highlight your strengths as a candidate.

Below are some tips when asking questions during the interview:

Research the Company Beforehand

Before you step into the interview, take some time to research the company. This will help you prepare questions that show a genuine interest in the role and how the company operates.

Start by exploring the company’s website, recent news, and any tech blogs they may have published.

You should also know what technologies they use or what products they offer to help you prepare insightful questions.

Doing so shows the interviewer that you’ve invested time in understanding their business. This improves your chances of advancing to the next stage of the hiring process or getting a job offer.

Avoid Asking Obvious Questions

While it's important to ask questions, you must think carefully about them.

Avoid generic or surface-level questions because hiring managers always receive them. They won't help you stand out and will make you appear unprepared.

Common examples include:

• “Can you tell me what the company culture is like?”
• "What is the typical day for someone in this position?”
• “What are the company’s goals?”

Rather than asking these questions, you can focus on specific ones that align with the role you’re applying for.

For example, you can ask about the team's strategy for managing technical challenges. Doing so can showcase your deep understanding of the industry.

Tailor Your Questions to Different Interviewers

You'll likely be interviewed by different people when applying for a tech job. Remember that each interviewer brings a different perspective to the table, so customize your questions accordingly.

For example, when talking to the hiring manager, focus on questions related to performance metrics, career advancement, and the job offer.

However, when speaking with team leaders, you can mention topics like technology adoption and innovation.

With peers, you can ask how the team collaborates and supports each other.

By adjusting your questions based on the interviewer’s role, you can demonstrate your adaptability, which is a valuable trait in any technical role.

Stay Engaged During the Job Interview Process

Lastly, you must remain engaged throughout the interview to make a positive impression.

You should listen carefully to the answers you receive and use them to ask follow-up questions. This shows that you’re actively processing the information and are genuinely interested in what the interviewer has to say.

It also reiterates your ability to connect on a deeper level, which can be an important factor when the company is deciding if you’re the right fit.

Let Better Career Help You Land Your Dream Tech Job

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Haven't found what you're looking for? Fill out our contact form, and we'll get in touch with you soon!

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FAQs About Tech Questions to Ask Interviewer

What happens if I don't ask any questions during the job interview?

Not asking any questions can leave the interviewer questioning the candidate's ability to show interest or engage thoughtfully.

It may suggest that you're not fully invested in the opportunity or didn’t prepare for the interview. It might also mean that you won’t be able to learn quickly if you join the team because you don’t ask questions.

To avoid this impression, always come with a few prepared questions that show curiosity about the role and the company.

How many questions should I ask the technical interviewer?

Typically, you only have time to ask two to three questions. However, it's good to prepare five to six questions for each interviewer in case you have extra time.

How to nail a technical interview?

You can ace the technical interview with proper preparation. You should practice answers to common interview questions, research the interviewer's background, and ask former or current employees for tips.

On the day of the interview, you must arrive early and dress appropriately to make a good first impression. Don't forget to ask thoughtful questions to stay on top of the recruiter's mind.

How do I stand out in the hiring process?

You can stand out by researching the company, nailing the Q&A session, and asking insightful questions that showcase your genuine interest in the role or company.

You should also tailor your questions to the interviewer to reflect your adaptability. This increases your chances of getting a company offer.