Landing the Tech Job: Common Technical Interview Questions

Whether you have a job interview scheduled or you’re just starting the job hunt, it’s a good idea to be prepared.

Depending on the position you’re interviewing for, the questions can range from quite technical to somewhat technical.

Regardless, when you meet with hiring managers, you’ll be asked a wide range of interesting questions that you can begin preparing for now.

Here are six common technical interview questions you’ll likely be asked: 

1. “What projects are you currently working on?” 

Hiring managers will want to know that you’re actively engaged with the type of technology relevant to your desired position. It helps to have a few examples of projects you’re currently working on, or, if you’re not currently working on a project, you could discuss projects you’re excited to try. 

If you’re interviewing for a software engineering position, for example, you’ll be asked to walk the interviewer through your project code. They’ll be evaluating the quality of your code and ensuring that you understand how it works. They might ask how you came up with the design for the code or what you might do differently if you attempted the project again. (Learn more about specifically preparing for the software developer interview here.)

2. “Describe a challenging project you completed. What were the results?”

In addition to speaking on projects of the present or future, you’ll likely be asked about projects completed in the past. Effective tech workers have decision-making and problem-solving skills. In your answer, be sure to discuss technology-related challenges and solutions that you overcame on past projects that demonstrate your ability to identify problems, think creatively, and overcome difficult situations.

3. “Why do you want this position?”

What’s your story? Have you always been interested in this type of work? What sparked your interest? Are you coming into this interview from a career change? What skills and mindsets can you bring into your new career that you learned in your former one? Hiring managers want to know why you’re entering this field, and why you’re passionate about this type of work, so don’t be shy about telling them.

4. “What’s your process for estimating what it will take to complete a project?”

Different companies have different operations and cultures. Technology companies will often ask this common technical question to gauge your understanding of the overall project management process and determine if your approach to guiding a project to completion fits their organizational culture.

5. “How do you know a tech project you’re working on is finished?”

We all want perfection, but projects can’t go on forever in pursuit of it. Companies make money via efficiency, and they create quality products and services while knowing when to move on to the next iteration or version. When answering this question, be sure to mention past projects that have achieved success on a designated timeline and that met or exceeded goals, even if the results weren’t 100% perfect.

6. “How do you stay informed about your field of interest?”

The tech industry is constantly evolving. Organizations need people who take on and live out a continuous learning mindset, so this is a common question. Talk about sources you rely on to stay up-to-date, including websites, apps, talks, influencers, journals, message boards, and so forth.

Beyond technical interview questions, here's how you can prepare. 

Focus answers on their needs, not only your own story.

While the questions are about you – and while hiring managers really do want to get to know you and hear your story – they also want to know how you can help the company. Keep that in mind and use your own story as a way to demonstrate how you can help them reach their goals. 

Be ready to ask some questions of your own! 

Research the company and have some questions ready to ask the interviewers. This shows engagement, interest, and curiosity, which are three crucial characteristics of a successful tech worker. You can ask things like: What do you like best about working here? Is there anything that concerns you about my background being a fit for this role?

See even more suggestions here as you prepare for your first or next tech job.