Job interview questions engineers should ask, but don't (posthog.com)

Article summary

The article discusses important job interview questions that engineers should ask but often don't, particularly when interviewing at startups. These questions focus on product-market fit, company finances, culture, team strength, and future plans. The author emphasizes the importance of asking direct and thoughtful questions to de-risk the company's performance and increase the chances of a good fit. The questions are relevant not only for engineers but also for anyone joining a startup or a new division of a company.

Main themes

• startup interviews
• company culture
• product-market fit
• financial transparency
• career development
• work-life balance

What commenters say

• Asking about employee performance evaluations and career advancement processes can be seen as a red flag by some interviewers, indicating a candidate may be trying to gauge how to get away with being a low performer.
• Some argue that asking about firings and performance issues is a legitimate way to assess company culture and potential for growth.
• Others believe that asking about product-market fit and company finances is relevant not only for startups but also for established companies, such as banks.
• Asking about work-life balance can be a useful indicator of company culture, with some companies prioritizing it and others viewing it as a sign of laziness.
• Some commenters disagree on the viability of asking about company finances, citing concerns about competition and confidentiality.
• The discussion highlights the importance of tailoring questions to the company and role, with some questions being more relevant for startups and others for established companies.
• The tone and response of the interviewer to tough questions can also be a valuable indicator of company culture and potential fit.
• Ultimately, the goal of asking these questions is to gain a better understanding of the company and role, and to make an informed decision about whether to join the company.