20 Questions

Questions to Ask Peer Interview

Strategic questions to evaluate potential colleagues, understand team dynamics, and assess cultural fit.

1

What is the team culture like and how do you work together on a daily basis?

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Why this works

Reveals the team dynamics and shows whether the work environment aligns with your preferences and working style.

2

What are the biggest challenges facing this team and how do you handle them?

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Why this works

Shows the team's problem-solving approach and reveals the types of challenges you might face in this role.

3

How do you collaborate with other departments and what is the cross-functional relationship like?

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Why this works

Reveals the organizational structure and shows how well different teams work together and communicate.

4

What is the management style like and how do you receive feedback and support?

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Why this works

Shows the leadership approach and reveals whether the management style aligns with your preferences and needs.

5

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

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Why this works

Reveals career advancement opportunities and shows whether the role offers the growth potential you're seeking.

6

How do you handle workload distribution and what is the work-life balance like?

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Why this works

Shows the team's approach to workload management and reveals whether the work environment supports healthy work-life balance.

7

What are the team's goals and how do you measure success?

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Why this works

Reveals the team's priorities and shows what outcomes and metrics are most important to the team.

8

How do you handle conflicts and disagreements within the team?

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Why this works

Shows the team's conflict resolution approach and reveals whether they can handle differences constructively.

9

What is the communication style like and how do you stay informed about team updates?

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Why this works

Reveals the team's communication preferences and shows how information flows within the team.

10

How do you support each other and what is the team's approach to helping colleagues?

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Why this works

Shows the team's collaborative spirit and reveals whether they support each other and work as a cohesive unit.

11

What are the team's strengths and what areas are you looking to improve?

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Why this works

Reveals the team's self-awareness and shows their commitment to continuous improvement and development.

12

How do you handle new team members and what is the onboarding process like?

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Why this works

Shows the team's approach to integration and reveals whether they have a structured process for welcoming new members.

13

What are the team's values and how do they influence your daily work?

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Why this works

Reveals the team's core values and shows whether they align with your personal values and work philosophy.

14

How do you handle stress and what support systems are in place?

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Why this works

Shows the team's stress management approach and reveals whether they have support systems for challenging times.

15

What are the team's traditions and how do you celebrate successes?

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Why this works

Reveals the team's culture and shows whether they have traditions and celebrations that create a positive work environment.

16

How do you handle different personality types and what is the team's approach to diversity?

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Why this works

Shows the team's inclusivity and reveals whether they can work effectively with diverse team members.

17

What are the team's expectations for new members and what would success look like?

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Why this works

Reveals the team's expectations and shows what they consider success for someone in this role.

18

How do you handle change and what is the team's approach to adapting to new situations?

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Why this works

Shows the team's adaptability and reveals whether they can handle change and uncertainty effectively.

19

What are the team's biggest accomplishments and what are you most proud of?

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Why this works

Reveals the team's achievements and shows what they value and celebrate as a team.

20

How do you see the team evolving and what are your hopes for the future?

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Why this works

Shows the team's vision and reveals their plans for growth and development in the future.

Best Practices for Peer Interviews

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

Best Practices

Ask for Specific Examples

Request concrete examples of team dynamics, challenges, and successes rather than accepting general statements.

Observe Team Interactions

Pay attention to how team members interact with each other and whether the dynamics feel natural and positive.

Consider Cultural Fit

Evaluate whether the team culture and values align with your own work style and preferences.

Question Sequences

The Team Culture Assessment

1
What is the team culture like?
2
What are the team's values?
3
How do you handle conflicts?
4
What are the team's traditions?

The Work Environment Evaluation

1
How do you handle workload distribution?
2
What is the work-life balance like?
3
How do you support each other?
4
What support systems are in place?

Common Pitfalls

Don't Focus Only on Technical Skills

While technical competence is important, also evaluate team dynamics, communication, and cultural fit.

Avoid Accepting Surface-Level Answers

Push for deeper insights about team challenges, conflicts, and how they handle difficult situations.

Don't Ignore Red Flags

Pay attention to any signs of poor communication, lack of support, or unhealthy team dynamics.

Interview Templates

The Team Dynamics Assessment

1
Step 1: Evaluate team culture and values
2
Step 2: Assess communication and collaboration
3
Step 3: Review conflict resolution approach
4
Step 4: Consider work-life balance and support

The Cultural Fit Evaluation

1
Step 1: Assess team values and priorities
2
Step 2: Evaluate communication style
3
Step 3: Review team traditions and celebrations
4
Step 4: Consider growth and development opportunities

Further Reading

"The Five Dysfunctions of a Team" by Patrick Lencioni
"Team of Teams" by Stanley McChrystal
"The Culture Code" by Daniel Coyle
"The Team Handbook" by Peter Scholtes

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