25 Questions to Ask an Interviewer as a Software Engineer

As a software engineer, the interview process can be nerve-wracking. You want to make sure that you ask the right questions so that you can determine if the company and role are a good fit for you.

I’ll cover 25 essential questions to ask in a software engineering interview. These will help you understand the role and the company better. Keep reading!

1. What are the duties you have determined for this position?

The question about responsibilities is a great interview starter. It gives you insight into what the company expects for the position and whether your skills align with their needs.

If the interviewer hasn’t set clear expectations for the role, ask about the company’s desired outcome for the position. This helps you understand the company’s goals for the role and see if they align with your career objectives.

2. What metrics are you using to assess performance in this job?

Performance is crucial for any software engineer role. Ask the interviewer how they measure it to know what to aim for and to see if you’re a good fit for the position.

If you’re especially good at certain skills, mention them. For instance, if you’re strong in coding or debugging, let the interviewer know. This shows you’re proactive and have taken the time to grasp the job requirements.

3. What technology and tools does the team use?

Asking this question helps you understand what you’ll be working with and if you’re familiar with it. It also shows your interviewer that you’re interested in the job and want to ensure it’s a good fit for you.

Technology keeps changing, so you need to know the latest trends to stay competitive. If your interviewer says the team uses tech you’re unfamiliar with, don’t panic. Feel free to ask about how they use it and if you’ll get a chance to learn more.

4. What are the current priorities of the company?

The interviewer can tell you where the company is focusing its efforts. This helps you see if its priorities match your career goals. It also shows if the company is growing, which might offer future opportunities.

Asking about the company’s current priorities demonstrates your genuine interest in its overall success. This quality can attract potential employers.

5. Tell me about the team I will be working on?

Learning about the team is essential; see if their culture and work style fit you. Ensure they can aid your career growth. Do they have the resources and knowledge to teach you? Can they challenge you?

Consider these crucial points when evaluating a team. Ensure the team’s stability and track record. New teams may be exciting but can pose higher risks if the company faces challenges.

6. What are the initial responsibilities for young software engineers?

The first tasks for young software engineers often differ by company. They’re usually assigned a project and given specific goals to achieve.

Asking this question gives you an idea of what to expect in your first weeks and whether the company invests in training and mentorship.

7. How does the software engineering department prepare projects?

Asking about the team’s project planning process gives you a sense of how well they work together and if their methods align with your working style. It also helps you know what to expect once you join.

For example, if they use a lot of agile methodologies and you’re used to a traditional waterfall model, there could be some initial friction. However, with open communication and a willingness to adapt from both sides, most conflicts can be resolved.

8. What is the culture of the software engineering department like?

A company’s culture can greatly influence your decision to accept a job offer. Some prefer a formal setting, while others lean towards a relaxed atmosphere.

The software development department can appeal to different preferences. Some may value collaboration, while others might prioritize individual achievement.

Ask the interviewer about the company’s culture and the software engineering department. This will help you decide if the company is a good fit.

9. What are the prospects for professional growth in this role?

The interviewer can provide insight into the career path for this role. If there’s no clear path, ask about the company’s growth plans and how the position might evolve.

This question shows you’re interested in long-term growth, not just a temporary job. It also highlights you’re proactive and think ahead about your career.

Growth opportunities matter to many, so this question helps you see if the company fits you. If they say no or seem unsure, it could mean the company isn’t doing well or lacks future plans.

10. What development methodology does the team use?

The software engineering field is constantly changing, and as a potential employee, it’s important to know if the company uses an up-to-date development methodology. For example, some companies are now using Scrum, an agile development methodology. Asking this question will help you understand how the company approaches software development.

If the interviewer says the company isn’t using a specific methodology, ask about their future plans to adopt one. This shows you’re up-to-date with industry trends and keen on working for a company that employs modern development methods.

11. What is the biggest challenge for the team?

This question reveals the team’s struggles and shows how you can assist them. It demonstrates your interest in the team’s well-being, not just your success.

The interviewer might not share extensive details, but they should provide a general idea of the team’s biggest challenge.

This question helps you grasp the team’s struggles and how you could assist them. It shows that you’re eager to help them overcome challenges.

If the interviewer can’t answer this, ask about the team’s current or future projects. This will help you understand their biggest challenge.

12. What are the hours and location of this role?

Software engineering often demands long hours, especially near deadlines. Asking the interviewer about the flexibility of hours and location helps you decide if the position suits your lifestyle.

If the position’s in a different city, ask about the company’s relocation policy. Some companies reimburse moving expenses, while others provide a lump sum payment.

If you have children or family members who rely on you for care, ask the interviewer about the company’s flexible work policies. Many companies now offer options like telecommuting and compressed workweeks.

13. Is there time for team bonding activities outside of the workplace?

This is a great question to ask since it helps you understand the team’s dynamics. If the team is close-knit, it likely means they work well and support each other.

However, if the team isn’t getting along well, there might be some conflict. This can create a less productive work space for you.

14. What are the potential learning opportunities for this position?

Software engineering constantly changes. Inquire about learning opportunities during an interview. This can show if the company invests in employees and supports your professional growth.

If you’re eager to learn and grow, it’s crucial to ask about opportunities for development. Sadly, not all companies provide these chances, so understanding what’s available is essential.

15. What are your company’s immediate goals?

Know the company’s direction and growth plans. This gives a clear picture of its stability and future potential.

The interviewer might say, “We’re looking to grow and expand” or “We want to be the best company in our industry.” Ask follow-up questions to get more details.

For example, you could ask how the company plans to grow or which areas they’re focusing on. This gives you a better idea of the company’s health and future prospects.

16. What are some great achievements of the team I’ll be joining?

Asking about the team’s recent successes shows you’re eager to join a winning team and help them succeed. It also lets you see how well the team collaborates and celebrates its achievements.

When your interviewer discusses the team’s achievements, listen for clues about the company’s culture. Are they humble and quick to credit the team, or do they take all the credit themselves? This can indicate how egocentric your potential boss might be.

17. What are the traits that would make someone successful in this job?

During a software engineering interview, ask the interviewer what qualities are essential for success in the role. This gives you insight into their expectations and helps you determine if you meet their criteria.

This question lets you highlight traits that make you a great fit for the role. For instance, if the interviewer mentions the need for independence, you can emphasize your history of working successfully on independent projects.

18. What databases do you use?

This question helps gauge the company’s technical sophistication. If they mention an unfamiliar database, ask them to explain what it is and how they use it.

This question helps you learn about the company’s data practices. Make sure they have strong data management processes before accepting a job, especially if your role involves handling customer data.

19. How much does the software engineer team need to interact with other teams?

This question helps you understand how the company operates and your potential collaboration with other teams. If the company is very siloed, your team may face challenges. Conversely, a collaborative environment will help you get up to speed faster.

You can see how much a company values collaboration. If they say it’s important but don’t ask questions about it, they might not prioritize it.

20. What is the process for making design choices on the team?

Design decisions are a key part of software engineering. This question shows how much input you’ll have in the process and if you can push your own ideas forward. Understanding it is essential for teamwork and creativity.

It can show you how well the team collaborates and how comfortable you’ll be sharing your opinions. Plus, it helps you gauge the interviewer’s stance on taking design risks. A good interviewer welcomes risks when suitable but avoids putting the team in a tough spot.

21. Do I need any non-technical skills?

This question is crucial because a software engineer needs both strong technical skills and the ability to communicate well with others. Understanding this will help you know what the company expects in an ideal candidate.

Non-technical skills are essential for a software engineer to succeed in their career. Good communication skills are important to clearly explain your ideas and collaborate effectively in a team. Asking this question helps you understand what the company seeks in an ideal candidate.

22. Who is the person that I would report to?

This question matters because you need to know who you’re working with and their roles. Understanding the company’s structure is equally important.

Ask if there’s potential for growth in the company. Reporting to a director or higher is a good sign. Reporting to someone in a lower role might make it harder to advance.

23. How many meetings does the software engineer attend?

The software engineer should ask the interviewer how many meetings they’re expected to attend. This helps the engineer gauge how much time they need for meetings.

If the engineer knows they’ll attend many meetings, they can plan their work around that.

24. What is the size of the team?

The team’s size offers insights into the work environment. A small team means more responsibility and a wider range of tasks.

If the team is large, you might specialize in one area with fewer responsibilities. Asking about team size helps you see if it suits your skills and personality.

The team size can indicate if a company is growing. A company with a large team might be expanding and have future opportunities for growth.

25. What is the nicest aspect of being a part of this team?

This question lets the interviewer highlight their team. It also offers a glimpse into what the team values. If they value kindness and friendliness, it might be tough to fit in if you’re introverted. However, if they prioritize hard work and dedication, it might be a perfect fit.

Asking this question shows you’re interested in being part of the team and care about finding the right fit. It demonstrates you want to contribute positively and not be just a cog in the machine.