Questions to Ask Peers in an Interview
Insightful questions to ask potential colleagues about team dynamics, daily work, culture, and the unfiltered reality of the role.
1What does a typical day or week look like for you in this role?
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What does a typical day or week look like for you in this role?
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Why this works
Provides realistic context on workflow and time allocation from someone living it.
2What do you enjoy most about working here?
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What do you enjoy most about working here?
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Why this works
Reveals what keeps people engaged and happy on the team.
3What's been the most challenging aspect of your role?
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What's been the most challenging aspect of your role?
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Why this works
Surfaces pain points and whether you're prepared for the realities.
4How would you describe the team culture and dynamics?
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How would you describe the team culture and dynamics?
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Why this works
Provides insider perspective on how people actually work together.
5How does the team handle conflict or disagreement?
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How does the team handle conflict or disagreement?
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Why this works
Shows whether healthy debate is encouraged or problems are swept under the rug.
6What's the management style like, and how hands-on is leadership?
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What's the management style like, and how hands-on is leadership?
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Why this works
Clarifies whether you'll have autonomy or constant oversight.
7How does the team collaborate—async, meetings, pair programming, other?
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How does the team collaborate—async, meetings, pair programming, other?
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Why this works
Reveals working norms and whether they match your preferences.
8What opportunities for growth and learning have you had since joining?
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What opportunities for growth and learning have you had since joining?
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Why this works
Assesses whether development is supported or stagnant.
9How does the team balance competing priorities and deadlines?
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How does the team balance competing priorities and deadlines?
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Why this works
Shows whether workload is manageable or chaotic.
10What's something you wish you'd known before starting this role?
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What's something you wish you'd known before starting this role?
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Why this works
Invites candor and surfaces insider knowledge you won't get from HR.
11How does the team celebrate wins or handle setbacks?
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How does the team celebrate wins or handle setbacks?
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Why this works
Reveals morale and whether successes are recognized.
12What does work-life balance look like on this team?
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What does work-life balance look like on this team?
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Why this works
Gets real talk from peers about hours and sustainability.
13How much autonomy do you have in your work, and how are decisions made?
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How much autonomy do you have in your work, and how are decisions made?
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Why this works
Clarifies whether you'll own projects or execute others' plans.
14What tools and processes does the team use, and how effective are they?
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What tools and processes does the team use, and how effective are they?
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Why this works
Shows whether systems support productivity or create friction.
15How does the team stay connected if some people are remote or hybrid?
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How does the team stay connected if some people are remote or hybrid?
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Why this works
Assesses inclusivity and whether distributed work is truly supported.
16What's the onboarding process like, and how supported did you feel?
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What's the onboarding process like, and how supported did you feel?
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Why this works
Reveals whether new hires are set up for success or left to struggle.
17How does feedback work on this team—formal reviews, informal check-ins, or both?
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How does feedback work on this team—formal reviews, informal check-ins, or both?
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Why this works
Clarifies how you'll know if you're on track and whether coaching is available.
18What would make someone really successful in this role?
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What would make someone really successful in this role?
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Why this works
Provides peer perspective on what skills and behaviors matter most.
19Is there anything about the role or team that would be helpful for me to know?
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Is there anything about the role or team that would be helpful for me to know?
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Why this works
Opens space for anything they haven't mentioned but think is important.
20Would you make the same choice to join this team again, knowing what you know now?
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Would you make the same choice to join this team again, knowing what you know now?
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Why this works
A direct, high-signal question that reveals true satisfaction or regret.
Getting the Real Story from Peers
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.