IT job searches are extremely stressful, and because you are constantly being judged by hiring managers, it’s easy to forget that the process is a two-way street. Just as potential employers evaluate you for fit, you should also be evaluating the company and its culture for fit. Hiring managers use interview questions to learn more about you, and you should use strategic questions to learn everything you can about a potential opportunity so you can decide whether it’s truly right for you.

Set Yourself Apart and Make a Great Impression with These Questions

Most of your competition for IT jobs will come prepared with a list of relatively standard questions. While you can, and should, ask the standard questions about salary, responsibilities, benefits, etc.; these questions won’t help you learn much more about the job. They also won’t help you stand out from the crowd.

To uncover details and differentiate yourself, ask questions like these:

• What are the traits of people who succeed on this team?
• If I am hired, what are the key accomplishments you’re looking for over the next three months, six months, and one year?
• When you think of your perfect candidate for this position, are there any gaps in my skills and experience?
• What is the biggest change this team has experienced in the last year?
• What is the leadership style of my future boss?
• How did you get your start with this organization, and what makes you stay?
• What are this team’s best working relationships with other groups in the company?
• What are this team’s worst working relationships with other groups in the company?
• Are there any examples of a career path beginning with this position?
• Do you have a policy for helping new members of the team get on board?

Notice how these questions go beyond the standard salary and benefits questions. They help you understand the goals for the role, company culture, challenges you may face, and whether you’d like working for the organization. Equally as important, they show you are truly interested in the job and you put a lot of thought into your questions.

Don’t Go Overboard

While it is important to get your questions answered, you don’t want to overwhelm the hiring manager with an hour’s worth of conversation. Prioritize your list, and remember you can always ask additional questions in your second interview or in your follow-up email. Try to be as succinct as possible and don’t forget to listen to the answers the hiring manager provides.

Are You Seeking New IT Job Opportunities?

If you are seeking out new and exciting career opportunities in tech, it pays to have an expert recruiter on your side. PEAK Technical Consulting can help connect you with positions that align with your goals and skills as well as your personality and work style. Contact us to start the conversation today.

About PEAK

PEAK Technical Consulting has created connections with employers nationwide, where you can find projects and roles to make the most of your abilities and advance your career. Since 1968 PEAK has helped IT professionals find jobs that offer flexibility, challenges and rewards. We are committed to giving you the resources and support you need to build the career of your dreams.

Take a look at some of the IT jobs we offer:

• Software Application Engineer
• Oracle Technical Cloud Consultant
• Cognos BI Developer

If you are looking for employers and opportunities that will take your IT career to the next level and help you to achieve your goals, contact a PEAK recruitment expert today.