10 Best questions about information technology
January 15th, 2009
- Will I receive my assignments from IT or from the business unit? This is a critical question that goes to the very DNA of the information technology resource in the company. Organizations in which the business units have significant input into the technology agenda are generally much more responsive to market conditions than organizations in which IT is more insulated from business realities. On the other hand, the IT function can be a lot more volatile. Which environment do you prefer?
- Do developers have little contact with the business unit or significant contact? This variation of the above question looks at IT contact with business units as a measure of how responsive IT is.
- Does the company have a Net-use policy? May I see it? The answer to this question will give you a good clue about what levels of trust operate in the company. An overly retroactive Net policy may point to a company that is uncomfortable with the uncertainties of the Net.
- To whom does the chief information or technology officer report? If the CIO reports directly to the CEO, this indicates a company that places high strategic value in the IT function.
- What are the biggest technical challenges ahead for this department/ company? Get a sense of how the hiring manager defines the technical challenges and be prepared to sell yourself against those outcomes.
- Traditionally, companies have used IT to reduce bottom-line costs. But I am excited about the use of IT to advance top-line opportunities such as creating new products and identifying new markets. Can you talk about how IT is used in this company to create top-line value? Do you want to work in a company where IT continues to be an inwardfacing function?
- What structured strategies for software testing have you found effective here? Note that this is a question that makes sense only with an interviewer who has a passion for software testing.
- Does the company use an IT steering committee? The question demonstrates understanding of how some companies develop IT funding and strategies.
- Do you have a formal development change management process, or is the process more informal? Many developers hate formal, structured processes or standards; others welcome the structure. Be clear about the environment you are considering joining.
- After months of working long hours, the morale of IT workers can plummet.What rewards have you found effective in recognizing and rewarding exceptional work? This question can be made more perceptive if you actually have some concrete suggestions for monetary as well as nonmonetary methods for recognizing performance. Who knows, you may end up on the receiving end of what you suggest.
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