Questions to Ask During a Software Developer Interview

This article is part of a series of articles around interviews.

• Tips for a Successful Software Developer Interview
• Developer Interview Questions and How to Answer Them: Part 1
• Developer Interview Questions and How to Answer Them: Part 2
• Questions to Ask During a Software Developer Interview (you are here)

Asking the right questions during a software developer interview is crucial. It’s not just about impressing the interviewers—it’s about making sure the role is the right fit for you. A great interview is a two-way street. You’re not just being evaluated; you’re also evaluating the company and the job.

When I think about interviews, I always remind myself that this is my chance to get a deeper understanding of what I’m walking into. Will the role challenge me? Will the team support my growth? These are questions that go beyond the job description. By asking thoughtful questions, I get a sense of whether this is a place where I can thrive.

Don’t just settle for what’s on the surface. Use this opportunity to dig deeper. It’s the only way to really know if this job is right for you.

Why Asking the Right Questions Matters

Asking the right questions in an interview isn’t just a formality—it’s a necessity. I’ve learned that the questions I ask can reveal so much more than what’s written in the job description. They help me understand the company’s culture, the dynamics of the team, and how the role fits into the bigger picture.

When I ask about how performance is measured, I’m not just looking for metrics. I’m trying to gauge what success looks like in this role. Will I be set up to succeed, or will the expectations be unclear? Questions like these give me a sense of how I’ll be evaluated and whether those evaluations align with how I want to grow in my career.

I also focus on understanding the team and the challenges they’re facing. If the team is struggling, it’s important to know why. Are the challenges something I can help overcome, or are they red flags that might signal deeper issues? Asking the right questions lets me peek behind the curtain and see what I’m really getting into.

This isn’t about just ticking off boxes—it’s about making sure the role is right for me. Because if it’s not, I’d rather know now than later.

Questions for an Interview Panel

When it’s your turn to ask questions, don’t hold back. This is your opportunity to dig deeper and get the clarity you need about the role, the company, and the process. Here are some questions that can help you uncover important details. The questions are in no particular order. You will most likely not have enough time to ask all of them, so determine the best and most important ones for you and start with those.

Questions About the Company and Role

Understanding the company and the specific details of the role is essential. These questions will help you get a clearer picture of what it’s really like to work there and what will be expected of you.

• How is performance measured in this role?
  

  Understanding how performance is measured helps you see what’s truly important in the role. It’s not just about targets but whether they’re realistic and aligned with your strengths. Clear criteria tell you if the company values what matters to you, like quality or collaboration.

  Listen for specifics in the interviewer’s response. Vague answers can signal a lack of direction, while clear expectations suggest the company knows what it wants and has a solid plan.

• What are the expectations for the first 30, 60, and 90 days?

  Asking about the first 30, 60, and 90 days reveals what the company sees as a successful start. This question shows if there’s a clear onboarding plan and how quickly they expect you to contribute.

  Understanding these expectations helps you gauge if the company is realistic in bringing new hires up to speed. Clear, achievable goals and signs of support, like training, indicate a company that values a smooth transition. High expectations with little support could be a red flag.

• Can you describe the tech stack I’ll be working with?

  Asking about the tech stack gives you insight into the tools you’ll use and how they align with your skills and goals. It also reveals the company’s approach to technology—whether they’re using modern tools or relying on outdated systems.

  By understanding the tech stack, you can gauge the company’s innovation culture and commitment to staying competitive. A well-chosen stack suggests a forward-thinking environment, while outdated tools might signal a reluctance to innovate.

• What is the team’s structure and make-up?

  Asking about the team’s structure and make-up helps you understand who you’ll work with and how the team functions. The dynamics of the team can significantly affect your experience, so it’s important to know how the team is organized, who you’ll report to, and what collaboration looks like.

  This insight allows you to assess if the environment will support your growth and if there’s a clear decision-making process. A well-structured team with defined roles suggests strong collaboration, while a chaotic structure may indicate potential communication or workflow issues.

• What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the software development team?

  Asking about the biggest challenges facing the software development team helps you understand the real issues you might face. This question reveals whether the obstacles are technical, organizational, or cultural, giving you a clear picture of what to expect.

  By learning about these challenges, you can determine if they’re problems you can help solve or signs of deeper issues. A clear, open discussion of challenges suggests a proactive environment, while hesitation or downplaying might indicate a lack of transparency or bigger underlying problems.

• What are the growth opportunities like in this position?

  Asking about growth opportunities reveals the potential for career advancement in the role. I want to know if the company invests in its employees and supports long-term development or if the role might lead to a dead end.

  By understanding these opportunities, I can see if the position aligns with my career goals. I listen for specifics like mentorship, professional development, or promotion paths. Clear, defined opportunities suggest the company is committed to employee success, while vague responses might indicate limited advancement potential.

• What qualities does someone need to excel in this position?

  Asking about the qualities needed to excel reveals what the company values most in a candidate. This question is key to aligning your strengths with the company’s expectations and seeing if you’re a good fit for the role.

  By understanding the essential qualities, you can tailor your approach if you get the job, focusing on what matters most. Listen for whether they emphasize technical or soft skills. If they value traits like adaptability or collaboration, it suggests a culture where you might thrive. If their priorities don’t align with your strengths, it could signal that the role isn’t the best fit.

• What does a day in this position usually look like?

  Asking what a typical day in the role looks like gives you a clear picture of daily tasks and interactions. This question goes beyond the job description, helping you see if the role’s workflow aligns with your work style and preferences.

  By understanding the daily routine, you can assess whether the role offers the variety or focus you need and if the work environment’s pace suits you. Listen for details about the balance between solo work and teamwork, project types, and structure. A clear, detailed answer suggests a well-defined role, while vague descriptions might indicate a lack of structure, which could be a concern if you prefer organization.

• Why do you enjoy working at this company?

  Asking why the interviewer enjoys working at the company gives you a firsthand look at the company’s culture and values. This question offers insights that you won’t find in a job description, helping you understand what makes the workplace rewarding.

  By hearing their reasons, you can gauge if the environment, growth opportunities, or projects align with what you’re seeking. Pay attention to their enthusiasm and specifics. A genuine, detailed response suggests a positive work environment, while a vague or unenthusiastic answer might indicate potential issues with job satisfaction.

Questions About the Interview Process

Understanding the interview process is just as important as understanding the role itself. These questions will help you get a clear picture of what to expect next and how the company makes its hiring decisions.

• What are the next steps in the interview process?

  Asking about the next steps in the interview process clarifies what happens after the conversation. This question is key to understanding the timeline and how quickly the company plans to move forward.

  Knowing the next steps helps you manage your expectations and prepare for what’s ahead. It also signals your eagerness to proceed. Listen for details about further interviews, assessments, or when you’ll hear back. A clear response suggests an organized process, while a vague answer could indicate uncertainty or potential delays.

• How many other candidates are you considering?

  Asking how many candidates are being considered gives you a sense of the competition. This question helps you understand where you stand and how urgently the company is looking to fill the role.

  Knowing the size of the candidate pool allows you to gauge your chances and adjust your follow-up strategy. If many candidates are still in the running, the role may be highly competitive, or they haven’t found the right fit. If they’re down to a few finalists, you might be closer to a decision, so it’s time to prepare for the next steps.

• Is there anything that would hold you back from hiring me?

  Asking if anything would hold the interviewer back from hiring you is a bold move that can pay off. This question lets you address any concerns on the spot, showing that you’re open to feedback and serious about the role.

  By confronting potential reservations directly, you can clear up misunderstandings or emphasize strengths that might not have come through earlier. Listen closely for hesitations. If concerns arise, it’s your chance to tackle them head-on, turning doubts into an opportunity to reinforce your fit for the job.

Crafting Questions to Your Values and Career Goals

It’s important to create questions that reflect your values and career aspirations when assessing whether a position is the match for you personally and professionally. The goal is not simply to receive responses but to ensure that the role aligns with what’s significant to you in both your professional journey and personal life. I concentrate on recognizing these areas and designing questions that enable me to assess if a prospective position aligns, with my individual and career requirements.

Reflecting on Your Past Roles: What Did You Like or Dislike?

Looking back at my past experiences is important, for figuring out what I really want in my job opportunity. I like to take a moment to consider the things I liked about my roles and the ones that were tough or didn’t bring me much satisfaction. This self-assessment helps me identify what matters most for my happiness at work and what I’d prefer to steer of in the future.

After studying these situations and reflecting on them I am able to formulate queries that help me determine whether the potential new position fulfills the aspects that are important to me and reduces any drawbacks. I believe in approaching this with the aim of finding a role where I will truly excel than simply pursuing a prestigious title or higher pay.

Here are some examples of self-reflection questions:

• What was the best part of working with your past teams?
• Did you have freedom to make decisions on your own or would you have liked more direction?
• How was the company’s approach to balancing work and personal life?
• Were you provided with support for your career growth and development?
• Looking back at your positions, what aspects did you enjoy or not enjoy?

Identifying Your Professional Values and Priorities

Identifying my professional values and priorities is about understanding what drives me at work. Whether it’s innovation, collaboration, stability, or growth, knowing my core values helps me focus on roles that align with them. I think about what matters most to me in a job—whether it’s the company culture, opportunities for advancement, or the chance to work on cutting-edge projects.

Once I’m clear on these priorities, I can tailor my questions to uncover how well the role and company align with my values. This way, I ensure that the job not only meets my career aspirations but also resonates with my personal principles.

Examples of self-reflection questions around values and priorities:

• How does the company support continuous learning and development?
• What is the company’s approach to innovation and risk-taking?
• How does the team handle collaboration and conflict resolution?
• What values are most important to the leadership team?

Formulating Questions That Align with Your Goals

Formulating questions that align with my goals involves translating my reflections and values into specific, targeted inquiries. These questions are designed to reveal whether the role will help me achieve my long-term objectives, whether that’s gaining new skills, advancing in my career, or finding a better work-life balance.

I make sure my questions are direct and focused on the areas that matter most to me. This not only helps me evaluate the role effectively but also demonstrates to the interviewer that I have a clear vision for my career and how this position fits into it.

Examples:

• What opportunities for skill development and growth does this role offer?
• How does this position contribute to the company’s long-term goals?
• What are the potential career paths for someone in this role?
• How flexible is the company in supporting work-life balance?

Red Flags to Watch for in Responses

Even when an interview seems to be going well, it’s crucial to stay alert for any red flags that might indicate potential issues with the role or the company. When I ask questions, I’m not just listening to the content of the answers—I’m also paying attention to how the interviewer responds. Certain cues can reveal underlying problems that might not be obvious at first glance.

For instance, if an interviewer gives vague or evasive answers, it could suggest a lack of clarity or transparency within the company. This might be a sign that the role isn’t well-defined or that there are unresolved issues they don’t want to discuss openly. Similarly, overly aggressive timelines or unrealistic expectations can signal a high-stress environment where burnout is common.

I also watch out for any lack of enthusiasm or hesitance when discussing company culture or team dynamics. If the interviewer struggles to articulate what they enjoy about working there or if they seem unenthusiastic, it might indicate a disengaged workforce or poor morale.

Examples of Red Flags

• Vague or non-specific answers to questions about the role or company
• Hesitation or discomfort when discussing challenges or company culture
• Overly ambitious timelines with little support for achieving goals
• Inconsistencies in their answers or conflicts with information you’ve gathered from other sources

By staying attuned to these red flags, I can make a more informed decision about whether the job is truly the right fit for me.

Final Thoughts

Asking the right questions during a software developer interview isn’t just about gathering information—it’s about making sure the role aligns with your career goals, values, and personal needs. The interview is your chance to look beyond the job description and dig into what really matters: the company’s culture, the team dynamics, and the challenges you’ll face in the role.

I always remind myself that an interview is a two-way street. It’s as much about me evaluating the company as it is about them evaluating me. By asking thoughtful, targeted questions, I can ensure that I’m not just accepting a job, but stepping into a role where I can grow, succeed, and feel fulfilled.

So, as you prepare for your next interview, remember to think critically about what you need from your next position. Use your questions to uncover the deeper truths about the role and the company. And most importantly, trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to walk away. After all, finding the right fit is key to long-term success and satisfaction in your career.