Many times candidates know bits and pieces of a technology but lack the understanding to see how it fits into the overall IT direction of an organization. So, in addition to specific coding and architecture questions, be sure to include some that verify that your candidate comprehends how your company's technology fits into your larger IT strategy. Below is a example such a question for candidates requiring knowledge of XML.

What to look for in your candidate's response:

This question is intentionally vague to capture a candidate's broad understanding of the benefits of utilizing XML-based technology. Qualified candidates should realize that companies ultimately invest in information technology for two reasons, either to reduce cost or increase revenue. Correspondingly, the recent growth of XML can be best explained along those two lines. From a cost savings perspective, using XML can reduce development time for system integration projects by providing a common structure to share information. Also, XML easily and inherently
allows data and the structure of the data to be transferred.

This question weeds out candidates that might not work well with managers, clients or end-users.


You should look for inappropriate answers like:

* Who knows? Management seems always to spend money on the latest technology fad, or
* I'm not really concerned with the business side of my work. I'm just a technologist.

Candidates who respond this way are more likely to be difficult to work with when business conditions change. They often will not adapt well to the inevitable schedule, requirement or budget adjustments that affect all development projects.