A Technology Analyst job interview focuses on evaluating technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and the ability to analyze complex systems efficiently. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with software tools, data analysis, and technology trends relevant to the industry. Emphasizing clear communication and analytical thinking is crucial to demonstrate suitability for the role.
Tell me about yourself
Focus your answer on your relevant educational background in technology, key skills such as data analysis, programming, and problem-solving, and any hands-on experience with financial systems or projects. Highlight your ability to work collaboratively in teams and adapt to fast-paced environments, emphasizing your enthusiasm for technology's role in financial services. Conclude by aligning your career goals with Citigroup's commitment to innovation and digital transformation.
Do's
- Professional summary - Provide a concise overview focusing on relevant experience in technology and analytics.
- Key skills - Highlight technical expertise such as data analysis, programming languages, and project management.
- Alignment with Citigroup values - Emphasize adaptability, problem-solving skills, and commitment to innovation in financial services.
Don'ts
- Irrelevant personal details - Avoid sharing unrelated hobbies or personal history that do not support the role.
- Overly generic responses - Do not give vague answers without specific examples or achievements.
- Negative remarks - Refrain from speaking poorly about previous employers or experiences.
Why do you want to work at Citigroup?
Highlight your interest in Citigroup's global financial technology innovations and commitment to digital transformation. Emphasize your enthusiasm for contributing to advanced analytics, cloud computing, and cybersecurity projects within a leading multinational bank. Demonstrate alignment with Citigroup's values of collaboration and continuous learning to support its technology-driven growth initiatives.
Do's
- Research Citigroup - Highlight specific aspects of Citigroup's technology initiatives and corporate values aligned with your skills.
- Show enthusiasm - Express genuine interest in contributing to Citigroup's innovation and digital transformation goals.
- Connect skills to role - Demonstrate how your background in technology analysis fits Citigroup's current projects and future plans.
Don'ts
- Generic answers - Avoid vague responses that could apply to any company or position.
- Focus solely on benefits - Do not prioritize salary or perks over the opportunity to contribute and grow.
- Criticize previous employers - Refrain from negative comments about past companies or experiences.
Why are you interested in the Technology Analyst position?
Focus on your passion for technology and data-driven problem-solving, emphasizing your interest in Citigroup's innovative use of technology to enhance financial services. Highlight your skills in data analysis, software development, and understanding of financial markets, aligning them with the responsibilities of a Technology Analyst. Demonstrate your enthusiasm for contributing to Citigroup's digital transformation and commitment to leveraging technology for client success.
Do's
- Research Citigroup - Demonstrate knowledge about Citigroup's technology initiatives and values.
- Align Skills with Role - Highlight relevant technical skills and analytical abilities suited for a Technology Analyst.
- Show Enthusiasm - Express genuine interest in technology trends and problem-solving within the financial sector.
Don'ts
- Generic Answers - Avoid vague responses without specific reasons related to Citigroup or the Technology Analyst role.
- Overemphasize Salary - Do not focus on compensation as the primary motivation.
- Ignore Company Culture - Avoid disregarding Citigroup's corporate values and team dynamics in your answer.
What do you know about Citigroup's technology initiatives?
Citigroup's technology initiatives focus on advancing digital transformation through investments in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and data analytics to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency. The company prioritizes cybersecurity and innovation by developing robust platforms that support real-time decision-making and seamless financial services. Understanding Citigroup's commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technologies to drive global banking solutions demonstrates alignment with the Technology Analyst role.
Do's
- Research Citigroup's Digital Transformation - Highlight knowledge of Citigroup's focus on cloud computing, AI, and blockchain technology to enhance financial services.
- Emphasize Innovation Projects - Mention awareness of Citigroup's investments in fintech partnerships and technology-driven customer solutions.
- Align Skills with Technology Goals - Showcase relevant technical skills such as data analytics, software development, and cybersecurity that match Citigroup's initiatives.
Don'ts
- Avoid Vague Statements - Do not provide generic answers without specific references to Citigroup's recent technology projects or strategies.
- Do Not Ignore Risk Management - Avoid neglecting Citigroup's emphasis on secure and compliant technology practices within financial services.
- Don't Overstate Technical Knowledge - Refrain from claiming expertise in technologies not relevant or confirmed within Citigroup's current technology landscape.
Describe a challenging technical problem you have solved
When describing a challenging technical problem you have solved for a Technology Analyst role at Citigroup, focus on a specific incident involving complex data integration or system optimization within financial services. Detail the technical tools and methodologies you employed, such as SQL for database queries, Python for automation, or cloud platforms like AWS for scalability, and highlight the impact on operational efficiency or risk mitigation. Emphasize problem-solving skills, collaboration with cross-functional teams, and measurable outcomes like reduced processing time or increased data accuracy aligned with Citigroup's technology standards.
Do's
- Problem definition - Clearly explain the technical issue to provide context and demonstrate understanding.
- Analytical approach - Describe the systematic steps or methodologies used to analyze and address the problem.
- Impact quantification - Highlight measurable outcomes such as performance improvement or cost savings achieved.
Don'ts
- Overcomplication - Avoid using excessive jargon or technical details that obscure the core solution.
- Blame shifting - Do not attribute the problem or failure to others; focus on your role and actions.
- Vagueness - Refrain from giving general or unclear answers that lack specific examples or results.
Explain a recent project you worked on
Focus on detailing a recent project relevant to a Technology Analyst role at Citigroup by emphasizing your involvement in data analysis, system optimization, or software development. Highlight your use of specific technologies such as SQL, Python, or data visualization tools to solve complex business problems and improve operational efficiency. Quantify outcomes where possible, such as reducing processing time by a percentage or enhancing data accuracy to demonstrate impact.
Do's
- Project Overview - Clearly describe the project's goals and your role within the team.
- Technical Skills - Highlight relevant technologies and tools used during the project.
- Impact and Results - Emphasize measurable outcomes and how the project benefited the organization.
Don'ts
- Overgeneralizing - Avoid vague descriptions without specific contributions or technical details.
- Negative Remarks - Refrain from criticizing team members or the company environment.
- Ignoring Challenges - Do not omit discussing obstacles faced and how you resolved them.
What programming languages are you most comfortable with?
Focus on programming languages highly relevant to Citigroup's Technology Analyst role, such as Python, Java, SQL, and possibly C++ or JavaScript. Highlight your proficiency by referencing specific projects or tasks where these languages were critical for data analysis, automation, or software development. Emphasize adaptability and continuous learning to align with Citigroup's dynamic tech environment.
Do's
- Be honest - Clearly state the programming languages you are proficient in to set accurate expectations.
- Highlight relevant skills - Emphasize languages commonly used in financial technology and data analysis, such as Python, Java, or SQL.
- Provide examples - Mention projects or tasks where you effectively used specific programming languages to solve problems.
Don'ts
- Overstate proficiency - Avoid claiming expertise in languages where your skills are limited or outdated.
- Ignore job requirements - Do not focus on languages unrelated to the Technology Analyst role at Citigroup.
- Use vague answers - Avoid generic responses like "I know many languages" without specifying which ones and how you use them.
How do you keep up with new technology trends?
Demonstrate your proactive approach by highlighting regular engagement with industry-leading resources such as Gartner reports, TechCrunch, and specialized financial technology journals. Emphasize participation in webinars, professional tech forums, and continuous certification programs to stay current with emerging technologies relevant to financial services. Mention collaborating with cross-functional teams at Citigroup to integrate innovative solutions that enhance operational efficiency and customer experience.
Do's
- Continuous Learning - Emphasize your commitment to ongoing education through online courses, webinars, and tech certifications.
- Industry Research - Highlight your habit of reading industry reports, tech blogs, and attending relevant conferences.
- Networking - Mention engagement with professional tech communities and forums to share knowledge and gain insights.
Don'ts
- Overgeneralization - Avoid vague statements without specific examples of how you stay updated.
- Ignoring Company Focus - Do not overlook how new technology trends relate specifically to Citigroup's financial technology context.
- Resistance to Change - Avoid implying discomfort with rapid technological advancements or new tools.
Discuss your experience with databases
Highlight hands-on experience with SQL databases such as Oracle, MySQL, or PostgreSQL, emphasizing skills in querying, data modeling, and schema design. Mention any involvement in database optimization, data migration projects, or use of NoSQL databases like MongoDB if applicable. Illustrate your ability to analyze large data sets, ensure data integrity, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to support business intelligence needs aligned with Citigroup's technology infrastructure.
Do's
- Highlight SQL proficiency - Emphasize your experience writing complex queries, optimizing performance, and managing relational databases.
- Describe database management - Explain your role in database design, normalization, backup, and recovery processes.
- Showcase problem-solving - Share specific examples of troubleshooting database issues and improving data integrity.
Don'ts
- Avoid generic answers - Don't give vague statements about database experience without concrete examples or results.
- Don't overlook security - Never ignore discussing best practices for data privacy and access control in databases.
- Don't exaggerate skills - Avoid overstating your expertise with technologies or tools you have limited experience with.
Can you explain the concept of object-oriented programming?
Object-oriented programming (OOP) is a programming paradigm centered around the concept of objects, which encapsulate data and behavior into reusable units called classes. Key principles include encapsulation, inheritance, polymorphism, and abstraction, enabling modular, scalable, and maintainable code. Demonstrating an understanding of these concepts and their application in building efficient software systems highlights problem-solving skills relevant to the Technology Analyst role at Citigroup.
Do's
- Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) - Explain it as a programming paradigm based on the concept of "objects" that contain data and methods.
- Core Principles - Highlight encapsulation, inheritance, polymorphism, and abstraction as fundamental OOP features.
- Practical Examples - Provide simple, relevant examples such as classes and objects to demonstrate understanding.
Don'ts
- Overcomplicate Explanation - Avoid using overly technical jargon that may confuse the interviewer.
- Give Vague Answers - Do not offer uncertain or unclear definitions about OOP concepts.
- Ignore Relevance - Avoid discussing unrelated programming paradigms or technologies that do not match the job role.
How would you test and debug a software application?
To test and debug a software application effectively, start by defining clear test cases based on the application's functional and non-functional requirements, ensuring comprehensive coverage of all modules. Utilize automated testing tools like Selenium or JUnit for regression and unit testing, while incorporating manual testing for exploratory and usability scenarios. When debugging, employ integrated development environment (IDE) features such as breakpoints, logging, and stack trace analysis to identify and resolve errors efficiently, maintaining code quality and performance standards expected at Citigroup.
Do's
- Unit Testing - Write and execute unit tests to verify individual components function as expected.
- Debugger Tools - Utilize integrated debugger tools to step through code and identify issues efficiently.
- Logging and Monitoring - Implement extensive logging to track application behavior and detect anomalies.
Don'ts
- Ignore Requirements - Avoid jumping into testing without a clear understanding of functional and business requirements.
- Skip Test Cases - Do not overlook edge cases or critical scenarios that could cause application failure.
- Overlook Collaboration - Refrain from working in isolation; involve team members for peer reviews and collaborative debugging.
Describe a time you worked in a team to achieve a goal
Highlight a specific project where you collaborated with cross-functional team members to deliver a technology solution at Citigroup, emphasizing your role in coordinating tasks and overcoming challenges. Focus on measurable outcomes such as improved system performance, successful implementation within deadlines, or enhanced client satisfaction. Demonstrate your communication skills, adaptability, and commitment to teamwork aligned with Citigroup's values and technology-driven goals.
Do's
- Use Specific Examples - Share a clear story about a past team project with measurable results.
- Highlight Collaboration - Emphasize your role in supporting and communicating effectively with team members.
- Demonstrate Problem-Solving - Explain how your technical skills helped overcome challenges during the project.
Don'ts
- Speak Vaguely - Avoid general statements without concrete details or outcomes.
- Overlook Personal Contribution - Don't focus solely on the team without mentioning your specific input.
- Ignore Company Values - Avoid neglecting Citigroup's emphasis on innovation, integrity, and teamwork.
How do you prioritize tasks when working on multiple projects?
When answering the question about prioritizing tasks in a Technology Analyst role at Citigroup, focus on demonstrating structured time management and analytical skills. Explain using frameworks like the Eisenhower Matrix or Agile methodologies to categorize tasks by urgency and impact, ensuring alignment with project deadlines and business objectives. Highlight your ability to leverage digital tools such as JIRA or Microsoft Project for efficient tracking and coordination across multiple projects.
Do's
- Prioritization Techniques - Explain use of methods like Eisenhower Matrix or Kanban to manage tasks effectively.
- Time Management - Highlight ability to allocate time based on project deadlines and impact.
- Communication - Emphasize regular updates with stakeholders to align priorities and expectations.
Don'ts
- Ignoring Deadlines - Avoid mentioning neglect of urgent tasks in favor of less critical work.
- Multitasking Excessively - Do not suggest handling many tasks simultaneously without focus.
- Lack of Tools Usage - Refrain from saying you don't use any task management or tracking tools.
How do you handle tight deadlines?
Demonstrate your ability to prioritize tasks effectively and use agile project management tools to stay organized under pressure. Emphasize your experience with clear communication and collaboration across teams to ensure timely delivery without sacrificing quality. Highlight instances where your analytical skills and problem-solving mindset enabled you to meet tight deadlines in fast-paced financial technology environments.
Do's
- Time Management - Demonstrate effective prioritization and allocation of tasks to meet tight deadlines.
- Communication - Emphasize proactive updates and collaboration with team members and stakeholders.
- Problem-Solving - Highlight ability to quickly identify issues and implement efficient solutions under pressure.
Don'ts
- Overpromising - Avoid committing to unrealistic deadlines or outcomes beyond your capacity.
- Panic - Refrain from expressing stress or disorder when discussing deadline challenges.
- Neglecting Quality - Do not imply sacrificing work quality to meet deadlines, especially in technology roles.
Give an example of how you handled conflict with a team member
Demonstrate your ability to resolve conflicts by describing a specific situation where you identified the root cause of a disagreement with a team member, applied effective communication skills, and collaborated to find a mutually beneficial solution. Highlight your focus on maintaining professionalism, active listening, and aligning team objectives to ensure project success. Emphasize outcomes such as improved teamwork, enhanced project delivery, and positive impact on overall productivity within a technology-driven environment like Citigroup.
Do's
- Specific Example - Provide a clear, concise story demonstrating the conflict and resolution process.
- Problem-Solving - Highlight your steps to understand the issue and collaborate on finding a solution.
- Positive Outcome - Emphasize how the resolution improved team dynamics or project results.
Don'ts
- Blaming Others - Avoid shifting blame or speaking negatively about team members.
- Vagueness - Do not give unclear or general answers without specific actions or results.
- Ignoring Conflict - Refrain from suggesting that you avoided addressing the issue or ignored the problem.
What motivates you to do your best work?
Highlight your passion for leveraging technology to solve complex financial challenges and improve client outcomes, emphasizing your drive to stay updated with emerging fintech trends. Demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning and collaboration within innovative teams, showcasing how these elements inspire your best performance. Reference Citigroup's focus on innovation and client-centric solutions to align your motivation with the company's values and goals.
Do's
- Highlight passion for technology - Emphasize genuine interest in technology and innovation relevant to Citigroup's business.
- Align motivation with company goals - Connect your drive to contribute to Citigroup's objectives like financial technology development and problem-solving.
- Show examples - Share specific experiences where your motivation led to successful outcomes or continuous improvement.
Don'ts
- Avoid generic answers - Do not use vague statements like "I'm motivated by challenges" without context.
- Don't focus solely on money - Avoid stating only financial incentives as your main motivation.
- Do not mention unrelated motivators - Stay away from personal reasons unrelated to work or the technology analyst role.
Why should we hire you for this position?
Highlight your proficiency in data analysis, problem-solving skills, and experience with technologies like SQL, Python, and cloud platforms relevant to Citigroup's technology stack. Emphasize your ability to improve operational efficiency and support business goals through innovative technology solutions. Showcase your strong communication skills and teamwork, ensuring you can effectively collaborate within Citigroup's dynamic environment.
Do's
- Highlight Relevant Skills - Emphasize your technical expertise and experience that align with the Technology Analyst role at Citigroup.
- Show Problem-Solving Ability - Describe specific examples where you successfully analyzed and resolved complex technical issues.
- Align with Company Values - Demonstrate knowledge of Citigroup's mission and how your goals complement the company's objectives.
Don'ts
- Overstate Experience - Avoid exaggerating your skills or accomplishments, which can undermine your credibility.
- Give Generic Answers - Steer clear of vague responses that don't specifically relate to the Technology Analyst position or Citigroup.
- Focus Solely on Self - Refrain from only talking about your benefits without connecting how you can add value to Citigroup.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Focus on aligning your career growth with Citigroup's technology analyst role by emphasizing skills such as data analysis, programming, and financial technology expertise. Highlight your commitment to evolving within the company, aiming to take on increasing responsibility in technology strategy and innovation. Express your goal to contribute to Citigroup's digital transformation initiatives and support business objectives through advanced technological solutions.
Do's
- Career Growth - Emphasize your ambition to develop skills and advance within the technology analyst field at Citigroup.
- Alignment with Company Goals - Show understanding of Citigroup's mission and how your future goals support its technological innovation and business objectives.
- Continuous Learning - Highlight your commitment to staying updated with emerging technologies and acquiring relevant certifications or training.
Don'ts
- Vagueness - Avoid giving unclear or generic answers that lack specific goals related to the technology analyst role or Citigroup.
- Unrealistic Expectations - Do not set goals that are unlikely within the company's structure or timeline.
- Overemphasis on Management - Avoid focusing solely on moving into management if the role and your interests are more technical and analytical.
Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced environment?
Emphasize your ability to efficiently manage multiple tasks while maintaining high-quality results in dynamic settings. Highlight experiences where you adapted quickly to changing priorities or tight deadlines, showcasing problem-solving skills and resilience. Demonstrate your enthusiasm for fast-paced environments by connecting it to your motivation to innovate and support critical technology initiatives at Citigroup.
Do's
- Emphasize Adaptability - Highlight your ability to quickly adjust to changing priorities and fast workflows.
- Showcase Problem-Solving - Illustrate how you maintain focus and deliver results under pressure.
- Demonstrate Team Collaboration - Mention your experience working effectively with cross-functional teams in dynamic environments.
Don'ts
- Avoid Negativity - Do not express discomfort or resistance to fast-paced work settings.
- Don't Overpromise - Avoid guaranteeing unrealistic performance beyond your actual experience.
- Steer Clear of Vague Answers - Avoid generic responses without concrete examples of your adaptability and efficiency.
Do you have experience with cloud technologies?
Highlight specific cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud where you have practical experience, emphasizing your role in deploying, managing, or optimizing cloud-based solutions. Mention any relevant certifications or projects that demonstrate your proficiency in cloud architecture, security, or automation, tailored to financial services if possible. Illustrate how your cloud expertise contributed to cost savings, improved scalability, or enhanced security in previous roles, aligning with Citigroup's focus on innovative technology solutions.
Do's
- Highlight Relevant Cloud Platforms - Mention experience with AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud to demonstrate cloud technology proficiency.
- Emphasize Practical Applications - Describe specific projects or tasks where cloud technologies improved efficiency or solved problems.
- Link to Job Role - Connect cloud experience to technology analyst responsibilities, such as data analysis, infrastructure management, or automation.
Don'ts
- Overstate Expertise - Avoid exaggerating cloud skills without solid proof or examples.
- Ignore Security Aspects - Do not neglect mentioning familiarity with cloud security standards or best practices.
- Be Vague - Steer clear of generic answers without detailing specific technologies or outcomes.
How do you ensure the security of information systems?
Ensuring the security of information systems involves implementing multi-layered defense strategies, including regular vulnerability assessments and timely application of security patches. Employing encryption protocols and access controls protects sensitive data from unauthorized access, while continuous monitoring and incident response plans help identify and mitigate potential threats quickly. Compliance with industry standards such as NIST and ISO 27001 supports robust security governance aligned with Citigroup's risk management framework.
Do's
- Access Control - Implement role-based access control to limit system access to authorized personnel only.
- Regular Audits - Conduct frequent security audits and vulnerability assessments to identify and mitigate potential risks.
- Encryption - Use strong encryption protocols for data at rest and during transmission to protect sensitive information.
Don'ts
- Ignoring Updates - Avoid neglecting software patches and updates that fix security vulnerabilities.
- Weak Passwords - Do not use or allow weak and easily guessable passwords in the system.
- Insufficient Monitoring - Do not overlook continuous monitoring of network traffic and system activities for suspicious behavior.
What do you understand about SDLC Software Development Life Cycle?
The Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is a structured approach used to design, develop, test, and deploy software efficiently, ensuring quality and meeting business requirements. As a Technology Analyst at Citigroup, understanding SDLC involves familiarity with its phases: planning, analysis, design, implementation, testing, deployment, and maintenance, aligned with Citigroup's rigorous standards and regulatory compliance. Emphasize your knowledge of how SDLC supports risk management and continuous improvement within financial technology projects.
Do's
- SDLC Phases - Explain key phases like planning, analysis, design, implementation, testing, deployment, and maintenance clearly.
- Role of SDLC in Quality - Emphasize how SDLC ensures software quality, risk management, and project tracking.
- Relevance to Technology Analyst - Connect SDLC understanding to driving efficient technology solutions and supporting business goals at Citigroup.
Don'ts
- Overgeneralize - Avoid vague or overly broad descriptions that lack technical specifics.
- Ignore Business Impact - Do not focus solely on technical details without mentioning business value.
- Use Jargon Without Explanation - Steer clear of unexplained acronyms or terms that may confuse interviewers from non-technical backgrounds.
Tell me about a time when you failed and how you handled it
When answering the job interview question about a time you failed and how you handled it for a Technology Analyst position at Citigroup, focus on a specific technical challenge or project where an initial approach didn't meet expectations. Explain the steps you took to analyze the problem, collaborate with your team, and implement a solution that improved the outcome. Highlight your ability to learn from setbacks, adapt quickly to changing requirements, and apply problem-solving skills to drive continuous improvement in a fast-paced banking technology environment.
Do's
- Honesty - Share a genuine failure to demonstrate self-awareness and integrity.
- Learning Focus - Emphasize the lessons learned and skills gained from the experience.
- Problem-Solving - Highlight the proactive steps taken to address the failure and improve.
Don'ts
- Blame-Shifting - Avoid blaming others or external factors for the failure.
- Excuses - Do not justify the failure with excuses, as it may appear defensive.
- Irrelevant Details - Avoid unrelated information that does not illustrate growth or accountability.
Walk me through your resume
When answering the question "Walk me through your resume" for a Technology Analyst role at Citigroup, focus on highlighting your technical skills, project experience, and achievements that align with Citigroup's emphasis on innovation and financial technology. Emphasize your proficiency in programming languages such as Java, Python, or SQL, experience with data analysis, and familiarity with banking systems or fintech solutions. Conclude by demonstrating how your previous roles and educational background have prepared you to contribute effectively to Citigroup's technology-driven initiatives.
Do's
- Highlight Relevant Experience - Emphasize work history and skills related to technology analysis and financial services.
- Explain Career Progression - Clearly describe how each role contributed to your growth and capabilities within technology and analytics.
- Connect Skills to Citigroup - Align your technical expertise and accomplishments with Citigroup's technology goals and industry standards.
Don'ts
- Avoid Irrelevant Details - Do not focus on unrelated jobs or personal information that doesn't support your fit for the Technology Analyst role.
- Do Not Ramble - Keep answers concise and structured, avoiding unnecessary tangents or overly long explanations.
- Don't Criticize Past Employers - Maintain professionalism and avoid negative comments about previous roles or companies.
Do you have any questions for us?
When responding to "Do you have any questions for us?" in a Technology Analyst interview at Citigroup, focus on inquiries that demonstrate deep interest in the company's technology stack, innovation strategies, and career development opportunities. Ask about Citigroup's approach to emerging technologies such as AI and blockchain within their financial systems, and how Technology Analysts contribute to advancing these initiatives. Inquire about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, and professional growth resources available to analysts to show your commitment to long-term value creation.
Do's
- Research Citigroup -Pose questions about the company's technology initiatives and recent projects relevant to the Technology Analyst role.
- Role Expectations -Ask about the key responsibilities and success metrics for the Technology Analyst position.
- Team Dynamics -Inquire about the team structure, collaboration methods, and leadership style within the technology department.
Don'ts
- Salary and Benefits -Avoid asking about compensation or benefits in the initial interview phase unless prompted by the interviewer.
- Basic Company Info -Do not ask questions easily found on Citigroup's website such as company history or general mission statements.
- Negative Tone -Refrain from asking questions that suggest doubt or negativity about the company culture or management.