Questions Every Software Developer Should Ask in an Interview

Software developers play a vital role in the IT industry, as they are responsible for creating both computer applications for users to complete tasks and the underlying systems that control devices and networks. Additionally, they are also tasked with executing software tests to identify and fix bugs.

Before becoming a software developer, however, you will likely go through the interview process, where you may encounter various types of interview questions, including technical questions, behavioral questions, and the most common software developer interview questions.

In this article, you will learn what questions you should ask your interviewer during the interview process to get a better understanding of the company as a whole. And as a bonus, asking these questions will also demonstrate your interest and understanding of the programming job interviews and the industry as a whole.

What should you pay attention to?

Firstly, understand that your interviews and the hiring process as a whole may take multiple rounds. This means that you, as a candidate for that position, should brush up on your technical skills, soft skills, and how to answer tricky behavioral interview questions.

Once you’ve brushed up on common developer interview questions. It’s time to start paying attention to things that your interviewer says.

People

Many people don’t pay enough attention to the people they will work with when choosing a job. The reality is they should be a main concern when accepting a job. The majority of your time will be spent with these individuals, and if they are not to your liking, it can negatively impact not only your work but also your personal life. This can lead to work dissatisfaction and frustration, both in your job performance and personal relationships.

When it comes to finding out who your potential boss and colleagues will be, as well as understanding the company culture, it’s important to prepare for programming job interviews and ask the right questions. During these programming job interviews, you should aim to gather as much information as possible to make an informed decision about the company and the people you will be working with.

Direct supervisor

Knowing who your potential boss or supervisor is can provide valuable insight into the company’s hierarchy and the team structure, as well as give you a better understanding of the person you may be working with daily. Additionally, asking about the manager’s management style, leadership philosophy, and what they look for in an ideal candidate can give you a sense of whether the role and team would be a good fit for you.

The best way to go about this is to ask during an interview whenever you see fit. However, keep in mind to ask this question professionally and tactfully, as you don’t want to come across as pushy or entitled. You can also look into the job posting beforehand and perform a quick Google search on who posted the job offer and who the manager is.

Team members

It can be nice to get to know current employees working in the company similarly to your superior. Your boss can tell you something about them in the interview. Team members are perhaps the most important thing, but few people ask. But it’s always better to experience them than just hear about them.

Knowing your potential team members before starting a new job can have several benefits:

1. A better understanding of the work environment: By learning about your team members’ personalities, work styles, and areas of expertise, you can get a sense of the dynamics of the team and how everyone works together.
2. Improved communication and collaboration: Having an understanding of your team member’s strengths and weaknesses can help you communicate more effectively and collaborate more efficiently.
3. Increased comfort level: Starting a new job can be intimidating, but if you have a basic understanding of your team members, you can walk into your first day feeling more comfortable and confident.
4. Networking opportunities: Getting to know your team members before starting a new job can also provide opportunities for networking and building professional relationships, which can be beneficial for your career growth and advancement.

Overall, knowing your potential team members before starting a new job can help set you up for success in your new role and make the transition into a new workplace smoother.

Here are some tips for getting to know your potential team members:

1. Ask about the team: When you are speaking with the interviewer, ask about the team you would be working with. Find out the size of the team, the different roles, and the dynamics of the group.
2. Meet with current team members: If possible, try to schedule a meeting with some of the current team members during the interview process. This will allow you to get to know them and ask any questions you may have.
3. Ask about team culture: Find out about the team’s values, communication style, and work habits. This can give you a better understanding of what it would be like to work with them.
4. Use social media: Utilize LinkedIn or other professional social media platforms to learn more about your potential team members. You can also reach out to them and ask them to connect.
5. Pay attention to body language: During in-person interviews, pay attention to the body language of the interviewer and other team members. This can give you a sense of the team’s energy and overall atmosphere.

Senior leadership

It’s also very important to perform a quick background check of the owners and management of the company. Are they people you want to help? Do you share the same vision?

Knowing a company’s vision is important before applying for a job because it provides insight into the company’s purpose and long-term goals. It can also give you a sense of the company’s values and culture. Understanding the company’s vision can help you determine whether the company aligns with your own personal and professional goals and whether you would be a good fit for the organization.

It can also give you a sense of the company’s future direction and potential opportunities for growth and advancement. Taking the time to research a company’s vision can ultimately help you make a more informed decision about whether to pursue a job opportunity with that company.

The product

Asking about what product a company sells and what it’s all about is an important question to ask during a job interview because it helps you understand the company’s core business and what it offers to its customers. This information can give you a better understanding of the company’s market position and what sets it apart from its competitors.

It can also help you determine if the company’s product aligns with your own personal and professional interests and goals. Knowing the company’s product can also give you a sense of the company’s potential for growth and innovation, as well as the potential for opportunities to work on exciting projects.

What is the product vision?

When preparing for a developer interview, it’s essential to understand the product vision of the company you’re interviewing with. This includes familiarizing yourself with the company’s goals for its product and its expected growth over the next few years. Knowing this information will help you determine if the company’s vision aligns with your personal and professional aspirations and if your technical skills will enable you to make a significant contribution to realizing this vision.

Having a clear understanding of the product vision will give you a better idea of what to expect from the company and your role as a developer. You will know if you’re joining a company with a clear mission and purpose and if your technical skills will enable you to grow and develop in a meaningful way.

With this information, you’ll be able to make an informed decision and confidently answer any developer interview questions regarding whether the job is the right fit for you.

How is the product monetized?

When evaluating the financial health of a company, it’s important to consider the metric of EBITDA. Ideally, this should be positive, however, it may end in the negative for a few months, which is not uncommon. If the EBITDA metric is not available, an alternative is to look up the publicly available sales and revenue information. Remember that startups may have a loss-making period for several years before becoming profitable, which is a normal part of the business lifecycle.

What kind of clients do they have?

When considering a job opportunity, it’s important to assess the kind of clients the company has. This helps determine if there is a product-market fit. If the company is still in the MVP (Minimum Viable Product) stage, there is a higher risk that the company may not be in business in a year. It’s important to be aware of this potential outcome when making your decision to join the company. However, this may still be an acceptable risk for you, depending on your circumstances and career goals.

The company

You may have already gathered information about the people and products at the company. However, there are still important questions about the company itself that you should not overlook. For example, it’s wise to inquire about the stability of the workforce, the benefits offered, and what motivates employees to stay with the company long-term beyond just the tangible results of their work. These factors can give you valuable insight into the company culture and overall work environment.

What Is the fluctuation of people in the company?

It’s important to ask about the turnover rate of the company. Find out how many employees have left the company in the past year and the reasons why. High levels of employee turnover, particularly if it involves a mass departure, can be a red flag.

It’s important to distinguish between voluntary turnover, where employees leave of their own accord, and involuntary turnover, where employees are let go by the company. Knowing the rate of involuntary turnover can give you valuable insight into job security and the likelihood of being laid off in the future.

Growth opportunities

For junior developers, professional progression and the opportunity to take on new tasks and responsibilities are often the most attractive aspects of software development. This allows them to learn and grow in their careers. Additionally, promotions and financial compensation can also be motivators.

On the other hand, for more experienced employees, acquiring a share in the company through options such as an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) or Employee Stock Option (ESO) can be a compelling motivation, particularly when their work can significantly impact the company’s success. These types of incentives can offer both monetary compensation and a sense of investment in the company.

Work framework

It is crucial to be aware of the company’s work framework in software development, which encompasses aspects such as communication methods, including the frequency of calls, emails, and meetings, key individuals you will collaborate with daily, as well as any mandatory attendance requirements.

Understanding the company’s work framework can provide valuable insight into the company’s software development practices and help you determine if it aligns with your working style and expectations.

Work system

When preparing for a developer interview, it’s important to understand the work options available from the tech company. These may include remote, on-site, or hybrid work arrangements. Sometimes, you may have the option to choose a combination that works best for you, particularly when working for a foreign company or one located far away.

For instance, working with a team on-site can bring advantages such as improved communication and faster problem resolution. Don’t forget to inquire about the tech company’s stance on unit tests, communication, and the integration of original objects into their development process. Having a clear understanding of how original objects are used in the development process is critical for the successful delivery of software.

Communication

When it comes to the development of an entire application, it’s important to have a clear understanding of the company’s communication practices. During a developer interview, be sure to ask about the tools used for communication and the expected time investment for phone calls, chats, or meetings. In larger companies, it’s common to have frequent communication as part of the development process, and this can play a crucial role in the success of the application.

Additionally, it’s important to consider the company’s approach to software development. Ask about their use of object-oriented programming and their expectations for lines of code. These details can give you a better idea of the company’s development process and whether it aligns with your approach and experience. Having a clear understanding of the company’s work framework, including the use of unit tests, is crucial in determining if the work environment is a good fit for you.

Time tracking and attendance

As a software developer, it’s important to understand the company’s policies and procedures regarding time tracking and attendance recording. This information can be gathered during a software developer interview questions phase and should be included in the list of interview questions you prepare.

When evaluating a potential employer, it’s important to consider if they have a system in place for tracking time and attendance and what apps they use to do so. Some companies may have a strict time tracking system, while others may allow for more flexibility and trust in their employees to work independently.

It’s also important to consider the location of the company, especially if you are interviewing in a place like San Francisco. The culture and norms regarding time tracking and attendance recording can vary greatly from city to city, and it’s crucial to understand the expectations of the company you are considering joining. Make sure to ask about this during your software developer interview and take into account how it aligns with your work style and preferences.

OCR / PN

When it comes to software developer interview questions, it’s important to consider the company’s approach to work-life balance and personal time off. For those with family responsibilities, such as taking care of children or caring for a sick family member, it’s essential to understand the company’s policies and support in these situations.

It’s recommended to ask about paid time off policies, including sick days and family leave, as well as the company’s flexibility regarding working from home. Knowing these details can help you determine if the company aligns with your values and priorities and if it’s a good fit for you as a software developer.

Conclusion

As a software developer, your career options are diverse and can span across industries such as software publishing, finance, insurance, computer systems design, and more. Whether you choose to pursue a formal education or prefer a self-taught approach, it is crucial to invest time in honing your programming skills and honing your developing abilities. A clear understanding of your career aspirations and goals can guide you toward a successful path in the field. By knowing your career goals, you can make informed decisions about your next steps and be better prepared for job interviews.

Frequently asked questions