Team Values
Smart questions for engineers who want real answers
Get past the polished company-approved answers, avoid sounding like a "bad" candidate, and uncover details that aren't in a job description.
When things get hectic, what tends to be prioritised?
The work itself: challenges and expectations
Notes
This is a subtle way to understand what really matters to the team, especially when the pressure is on. You’re likely to hear about what they consider "mission-critical" whether it’s deadlines, product quality, customer needs, or something else. It’s also a good way to gauge the team’s flexibility and how they handle stress. Asking this shows you’re aware that priorities shift under pressure and gives you insight into how the team stays focused in challenging situations.
Who to ask
Team Manager
Team Member
What to listen for
- A vibe check on how often things are hectic
- Is engineer mental health still prioritised during crunch time or are you expected to work overtime?
Red flags 🚩
- Answering very easily could be an indicator that they're often in crunch time
- It sounds like they may be accruing tech debt