20 Questions

Questions to Ask in a Peer Interview

Strategic questions to ask in a peer interview to understand the team culture, work environment, and determine if the role is the right fit for your career goals.

1

What is the team culture like and what values are most important?

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Why this works

Understanding team culture helps you evaluate if you'll fit in and thrive in the work environment.

2

What are the biggest challenges facing the team right now?

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Why this works

Understanding team challenges helps you identify opportunities to contribute and add value from the start.

3

What is the typical day-to-day work like in this role?

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Why this works

Understanding daily work helps you evaluate if the role aligns with your interests and career goals.

4

What are the most important skills for success in this position?

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Why this works

Understanding required skills helps you evaluate if you have what it takes to succeed and identify areas for development.

5

What is the team's approach to collaboration and communication?

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Why this works

Understanding collaboration approach helps you evaluate if the team's working style aligns with your preferences.

6

What are the opportunities for growth and advancement in this role?

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Why this works

Understanding growth opportunities helps you evaluate if the role can support your long-term career goals.

7

What is the team's approach to work-life balance and flexibility?

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Why this works

Understanding work-life balance helps you evaluate if the role supports your personal needs and well-being.

8

What are the team's expectations for innovation and creative problem-solving?

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Why this works

Understanding innovation expectations helps you evaluate if the role allows you to contribute creative solutions and drive positive change.

9

What is the team's approach to feedback and performance management?

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Why this works

Understanding feedback approach helps you evaluate if the team provides constructive feedback and supports your growth.

10

What are the team's policies on professional development and learning?

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Why this works

Understanding development policies helps you evaluate if the team supports your learning and skill development.

11

What is the team's approach to handling conflicts and disagreements?

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Why this works

Understanding conflict resolution helps you evaluate if the team provides fair and effective resolution of workplace issues.

12

What are the team's expectations for customer service and client relationships?

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Why this works

Understanding customer service expectations helps you evaluate if the role aligns with your approach to client relationships.

13

What is the team's approach to project management and deadlines?

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Why this works

Understanding project management helps you evaluate if the team's approach aligns with your working style and preferences.

14

What are the team's policies on remote work and flexible schedules?

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Why this works

Understanding remote work policies helps you evaluate if the role supports your preferred working arrangements.

15

What is the team's approach to diversity and inclusion?

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Why this works

Understanding diversity approach helps you evaluate if the team creates an inclusive environment for all members.

16

What are the team's expectations for quality and what standards do they maintain?

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Why this works

Understanding quality standards helps you evaluate if the team's expectations align with your professional standards.

17

What is the team's approach to handling urgent issues and crisis management?

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Why this works

Understanding crisis management helps you evaluate if the team can handle high-pressure situations effectively.

18

What are the team's policies on budget and resource management?

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Why this works

Understanding resource management helps you evaluate if the team works within budget constraints and makes effective use of resources.

19

What is the team's approach to handling team building and social activities?

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Why this works

Understanding team building helps you evaluate if the team creates opportunities for relationship building and social connection.

20

What are the most important things I should know about working with this team?

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Why this works

Getting their perspective on what's most important helps you understand the team's priorities and what to expect from the role.

Making the Most of Peer Interviews

Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.

Before the Peer Interview

Research the Team

Learn about the team's work, recent projects, and achievements to ask informed questions.

Prepare Your Questions

Create a list of questions that address your specific concerns and help you understand the team culture and work environment.

Know Your Priorities

Identify what's most important to you in a work environment to help you evaluate if this team is a good fit.

During the Interview

Be Professional and Friendly

Maintain a professional demeanor while being approachable and showing genuine interest in the team.

Ask Specific Questions

Ask specific questions about the team's culture, work style, and approach to collaboration.

Listen Carefully

Pay attention to their responses and ask follow-up questions to clarify any concerns or confusion.

Warning Signs to Watch For

Avoid Teams That Don't Listen

If the team doesn't listen to your concerns or seems dismissive of your questions, it may indicate problems with their culture.

Watch for Unrealistic Expectations

Be wary of teams that set unrealistic expectations or don't provide adequate support for your success.

Consider Your Gut Feeling

Pay attention to your instincts about the team culture and whether you feel comfortable and supported there.

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