• Ensure all prerequisites are completed: NDA signed (if applicable), CV validated, agenda understood. 

• Attend preparation and simulation sessions if possible / relevant. 

• Learn about the hiring company’s technical environment, organization, and expectations. 

• Prepare around ten thoughtful questions about the project, team, success criteria, and roadmap. 

• Familiarize yourself with the standard interview structure to stay confident and organized. 

Examples of questions you might ask: 

• Team structure and reporting lines? 

• Working conditions? 

• Vision and strategy of the hiring company? 

• Main values of the hiring company? 

• Available support and onboarding? 

• What is the promotion process? 

• Success criteria for the assignment? 

• Department size and operational model? 

• Management style? 

• Upcoming projects or roadmap? 

  
  

Good questioning showcases analytical skills, curiosity, and project maturity. 

Examples of questions you might be asked: 

• Pick an area you know really well. Take 5 minutes to prepare and then teach me everything I should know about it.  

• What’s the hardest you’ve ever worked on something?  

• Describe your favorite week at work. 

• What do you want to do with your life? 

• What’s the thing you’ve read that influenced you the most? 

• What distinguishes someone who is good from someone who is exceptional in your role?  

• Vis a vis other smart, talented people with similar backgrounds, what are your strengths and weaknesses?  

• Tell me about a time you took unexpected initiative. Can you tell me about another? 

• What's the fastest you've shipped something? 

• What is a piece of critical feedback you've received that was hard to hear?  

• If you were the CEO of your previous company, what would you do differently? 

• What do people get wrong about you on first impressions?  

• What’s your favourite software and why?  

• What’s the thing you’re the most proud of? 

• When was the last time you changed your mind about something important? 

• If I were to talk to people who have a low opinion of you, what would they say? 

• What’s the skill you need to improve on the most for this role? 

• What are you good at?  

• Among the people you've worked with, who do you admire and why? 

• What do you aspire to be the best in the world at? 

• How do you want people to describe you?  

• What is the most valuable lesson you've learned from a colleague? 

• What aspect of your previous company's culture would you like to bring to your next role, and what would you prefer to leave behind? 

• What are some things outside of work that you’re irrationally passionate about?  

• Who would instantly join us if you joined?