As a Black worker in tech, you take professional development seriously.
To succeed at the level you aspire to, you must land a position with a company that supports your career goals and overall trajectory.
This is why, after you’ve scored the job interview, it’s critical you remember it’s a two-way street: you also need to interview the company and assess if it’s a place you’d actually like to work.
Taking the time to ask the right questions during the phone screen interview will help you do just that.
Use this comprehensive list of questions to ask recruiters in the tech field as you see fit.
Role-Specific Questions
This section covers common questions to ask the potential employer about the details of the role you’re applying for.
1. What are the key responsibilities of this position?
Sometimes, the excitement of getting an interview can overshadow any judgment about what the actual work will entail if hired. Understanding the key responsibilities is a great way to get an overview of what’s in store and really consider whether it’s the right position for you.
2. What characteristics and skillset help someone succeed in this position?
Asking this question gives you insight into what the recruiter is looking for. If you possess those qualities, you can use real-life examples highlighting these attributes.
3. What is a typical workday like?
It’s incredibly important to get an overview of a typical day. Listen to the answer given and try to picture yourself carrying out the duties described. Your emotional reaction (excited vs. indifferent) can help you ascertain if it’s the right fit.
4. If this is not a new position, what have been the things people struggle the most with in this role?
This is an excellent way to learn more about the job and the skills and characteristics the employer is looking for.
5. What metrics are used to measure success in the position?
This provides a glimpse into how the company operates.
Tech-Specific Questions
Asking questions related to the industry and its nuances is an excellent way to express your competency and genuine interest in the field — both key to establishing a great first impression.
These questions are quite general. Depending on the role and related work experience, consider whether there are more specific questions you can also ask.
6. What programming languages are used?
This is great to know. If you’re familiar with some of them already, excellent. If not, you can always learn.
7. How is data currently stored?
A question for those curious about compliance and general data management.
8. How does the company stay current with new and emerging technologies?
A fantastic question that lets you see how nimble the company is, and how they evaluate and integrate new technology into business operations.
9. What software is used to aid in collaboration between teams?
Communication and collaboration are crucial, and it’s always helpful to know how it’s achieved.
Even if you aren’t familiar with the project management software used, you can always research it, if necessary, to prepare for a follow-up interview.
10. How open is the company to experimenting with new technology?
Another excellent question to gain insight into a company’s mindset and flexibility around new technology.
Work Environment Questions
Asking about the work environment can yield much insight into company culture.
11. Is this position in-person, remote, or hybrid?
Incredibly important, the answer to this question can make or break a decision to accept a position within the company, especially if it isn’t local.
12. How large is the team?
Excellent at helping gauge group dynamics, company size, and project scope.
13. If I were hired, who would I be reporting to?
Helpful in understanding structure.
14. What is the typical work schedule like?
Some prefer flexibility in their day; they thrive with the freedom of being able to arrange their schedule accordingly — as long as deadlines are met.
Others desire a more structured approach.
The answer to this question helps paint a picture of what the workday looks like, including when the team typically meets, etc.
15. Are there regular cross-training opportunities or collaborations with other departments?
Great to help assess integration within the company.
Compensation Questions
This is a topic many people — especially those in the beginning of their careers — feel hesitant to ask.
However, potential employers expect you to ask these questions, and if offered a position, they expect you to negotiate your salary.
16. What is the salary range for this position?
It’s important to know what the position pays. There’s no point in saying yes to something that doesn’t meet your salary expectations. Check if the compensation aligns with what other businesses pay their employees for similar roles.
17. How often do employees receive raises, and at what percent?
Helpful to know when evaluating whether or not to take the position, if offered.
18. Are raises performance or tenure-based?
It’s always good to have a firm grasp of company policy regarding salary increases.
Questions about Benefits
Do not overlook benefits; they are a form of compensation, too.
19. Do you offer health and dental insurance?
Incredibly important for everyone — especially those with medical issues or dependents.
20. Are there chances to receive bonuses?
Many companies incentivize employees through bonuses or other perks. The answer to this question also provides insight into company culture.
21. What other perks or incentives does the company offer?
Helpful to know when evaluating overall compensation.
Questions Related to Career Path
Growth is incredibly important in a career. If a company promotes from within, it can be incredibly motivating and may lessen the sting of starting at an entry-level position.
22. What opportunities for growth are there within the company?
Knowing what future opportunities await is helpful when assessing whether or not to take a position.
23. Do you typically promote from within?
Important to know for those excited about growth in their field.
24. How does the company support its employees in their career growth aspirations?
Companies that have realized the myriad benefits associated with encouraging and facilitating employee growth are generally great places to work.
Company Performance Questions
Depending on the company’s size, this info may be available online. Either way, it’s helpful to assess where the company fits in with the industry at large, and it can be a good indicator of future success.
25. How has the company performed within the last year?
Helpful in assessing success and longevity.
26. Is actual growth aligned with projected growth?
A great way to determine if the company has a firm grasp on operations.
27. What are the future plans for expansion?
This question can help measure current enthusiasm and future success.
Company Policy Questions
While most companies disclose this information as part of the onboarding process, asking in advance can offer a glimpse into how they view work-life balance, and more.
28. Is there a probationary period, and if so, how long is it?
Most companies enforce at least a six-month probation period.
29. What is the time off policy?
Whether it’s vacation or you just need to recharge, time off is important—and company time off policies can be quite telling.
30. Do you offer sick time?
Most companies do, but it’s still an important question.
31. How much vacation do employees receive annually?
Good to know when weighing the pros and cons of a potential new role.
Interview Process Questions
Asking these questions will give you an indication of what’s to come.
32. What are the next steps?
At the end of the interview, knowing what to expect afterward is always helpful.
If the phone interview goes well, hiring managers will usually set up the next interview as an in-person interview. However, that’s not a set rule everywhere, so it’s always good to check.
Understanding what the rest of the hiring process entails can help you prepare.
33. When do you expect to reach a decision, and what’s the projected start date?
It can be helpful knowing their timeline. Especially if there are loose ends you need to tie up in your current job.
Phone Screen Interview Tips
Congrats on scoring the screening call!
Here are some tips to help quell your nerves and set you apart from your competition.
Research
Hiring managers love it when candidates have done their due diligence and demonstrate genuine interest by asking specific questions.
LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and social media can all be excellent resources for prompting deeper questions and providing additional insight into company culture.
You may use these sites for messaging purposes, as well. Some people find it beneficial to reach out to individuals affiliated with the company (past or current) to learn more about the company itself and hear what their experience is or was while working there.
Prepare
There are many ways to prepare.
Jot down your skill sets as they pertain to various aspects of the job, and think of real-life examples that showcase all the ways you excel.
Take advantage of the wealth of information in the Obsidi® Tech Talks library, including videos that cover everything you need to know to nail an interview.
When preparing, it’s also worth noting this: if you don’t get the job, it has no bearing on your worthiness as a human being whatsoever. Rejection and failure are things everyone — even the highest level execs — have had to deal with.
If you receive a rejection once the sting has worn off, get back out there and continue your job search. You have a lot to offer, and with preparation and persistence, you’ll have that new job before you know it.
Practice
The more you practice, the more confident you’ll feel.
While most interviewers have steered away from the old “tell me about yourself” tactic, they still want to get a sense of who each job candidate is and what qualifications, skills, and experience they bring to the table.
Practice answering tech-related interview questions — yes, out loud.
If you’re feeling up to it, record yourself.
Have a friend pose as the interviewer, and conduct a mock interview.
As silly as all of this sounds, you’ll be grateful for every step you took to prepare when the day of the screening call arrives.
If you’re someone who gets nervous easily, you may benefit from learning how to calm your nervous system and center yourself.
Conclusion
Do your homework, practice, and come prepared with your list of questions to ask.
The more engaged you are during this process, the more desirable and compelling you’ll be.
Start engaging with other Black tech professionals at Obsidi® today!
