Interviewing Tech Candidates: Some of Fabric’s Recruiters’ Favorite Must-Ask Questions

Finding the right candidate who possesses the necessary skills and fits seamlessly into a company’s culture can be a challenging task.

To gain insights into effective interviewing techniques and strategies, we turned to the experienced tech recruiters at Fabric Staffing. These seasoned professionals have shared some invaluable advice on must-ask questions that can help recruiters evaluate tech candidates more effectively.

1. “What kind of work or team environment do you thrive in?” – Siraina Dickens-Cole

Siraina Dickens-Cole, a seasoned tech recruiter, emphasizes the importance of understanding a candidate’s preferences regarding work and team environments. Beyond the standard questions about work experience and motivations for applying, she delves into the candidate’s ideal work style and how it aligns with potential employers. By understanding a candidate’s work preferences, recruiters can better match them with companies that share similar cultural values and working dynamics.

This approach not only helps candidates find environments that suit their preferences but also enables hiring managers to gain deeper insights into potential recruits. This, in turn, allows them to identify candidates who possess the versatility and adaptability necessary to thrive in dynamic tech environments.

2. “What are you currently learning or experimenting with in the tech world?” – Genevieve Garcia

Genevieve Garcia, another tech recruiter at Fabric Staffing, underlines the significance of a candidate’s curiosity for learning and staying updated with the latest tech trends. The fast-paced nature of the tech industry demands individuals who embrace continuous learning and are open to exploring new technologies, languages, and frameworks.

Asking candidates about their favorite tech languages and any ongoing experimentation reveals whether they are truly “language agnostic” or confined to what they already know. By seeking candidates who are open to learning new skills and technologies, recruiters can ensure a company remains at the forefront of innovation and adapts to the ever-changing tech landscape.

3. “Why are you looking for a new job?” – Sara McBride

Sara McBride, tech recruiter, reveals that one of the most crucial questions to ask candidates is also one of the most straightforward: “Why are you looking for a new job?” This seemingly obvious query carries substantial weight as it helps uncover the driving force behind a candidate’s decision to seek new opportunities.

Understanding a candidate’s motivations for change is essential for finding the perfect fit. Recruiters can use this insight to match candidates with positions that address their concerns and aspirations, ensuring they not only find happiness but also thrive in their new roles.

 4. “Why are you leaving your current role, and what do you want out of the next one?” – Marissa Mata

Marissa Mata, Recruiting Manager at Fabric, believes that assessing culture fit is just as important as evaluating technical proficiency. Irrespective of job titles, Marissa asks two fundamental questions from the outset: “Why are you leaving your current role, and what do you want out of the next one?”

These questions provide candidates with the opportunity, to be honest and open about their aspirations, which is essential for finding a role that aligns with their long-term career goals. By focusing on diversity, growth opportunities, impact, collaboration, autonomy, and purpose, Marissa aims to match candidates with roles that offer true job satisfaction and long-term retention.

As tech recruiters, it’s crucial to go beyond the standard interview script and customize questions to better assess candidates’ skills and cultural fit. By understanding what drives candidates and what they seek in their careers, recruiters can make meaningful connections between talented tech professionals and organizations that can truly leverage their potential.

So, the next time you find yourself in the interviewer’s seat, take a page from the book of these recruiters at Fabric Staffing and ask those thought-provoking questions that can lead to the perfect match between candidates and companies. Remember, it’s not just about filling a role; it’s about fostering lasting partnerships that drive success in the ever-dynamic world of technology.