Unemployed Developer

To keep this site relevant with its web address, I’d like to discuss some questions that we as developers should/could ask prospective employers during the interview process. While doing research on the company through means of Search Engines and the company website, one often can struggle to come up with questions for employers. A company website isn’t always a full indicator of the type of company you might work for and as a developer sometimes there are other things on our minds and we should consider asking them, to make sure the job is a fit for our comfort zone.

What has the company done to get through tough periods?

Remember the famous interviewer question where we as interviewee’s have to describe an event where there was a tough deadline or a struggle to get work done? Turn that question back on the interviewer and you might get some insight as to how a company deals with pressure under fire. With the recession being an event that the company might have struggles from, we might here some pretty interesting answers. Above all hopefully it garners more insight to a company environment.

How old on average are the computers at the office and how often do they upgrade to newer systems?

This can be a good indicator of how comfortable you will be with the tools you use daily as a developer. Working and efficient systems are integral to our focus as a developer and dealing with computer issues can only hinder our success.

What fun events does the company hold for employees.

This can sometimes tell you how employees are viewed in a company. The ones that partake in events will tell you that the company has pride in their employees and hold events to help strengthen the company’s teamwork.

Is the company process or results orientated?

Process orientated is often more friendly and an open environment, whereas a results orientated company tends to be more cutthroat and all about the business at the end of the day.

Where do people usually have lunch?

While this question might garner some chuckles, it can be helpful to determine the type of workers the company has. Outgoing workers willing to take a break at lunch and socialize or they will be type that prefers eat lunch at a desk. What you like to do with your lunch hour, is up to you.

These are just some examples to help you gather information about what kind of company you would like to work for. If you are a social person and enjoy social aspect of work such as team lunches, and team events then these questions will be important to you. If you are the head down, punch in and punch out developer this questions will also help you figure out if you might end up being “that guy that doesn’t like anyone”.

On a side note, make sure to ask if you can follow up with them as well.