
A Team Lead job interview focuses on assessing leadership skills, communication abilities, and problem-solving techniques crucial for managing a team effectively. Candidates should demonstrate experience in motivating team members, delegating tasks, and handling conflicts to ensure project success. Highlighting past achievements and showcasing strategic thinking are important to stand out in the selection process.
Tell me about yourself.
Focus on your professional background relevant to leadership roles, highlighting key achievements in managing teams and projects within financial services or similar industries. Emphasize skills in strategic planning, communication, and problem-solving that align with State Street's emphasis on innovation and operational excellence. Conclude by expressing your passion for driving team success and contributing to State Street's goals in the role of Team Lead.
Do's
- Professional Summary - Start with a concise overview of your relevant experience and skills.
- Leadership Skills - Highlight your experience managing teams, driving projects, and motivating members.
- Alignment with State Street - Emphasize your understanding of State Street's values and how your background fits the Team Lead role.
Don'ts
- Personal Details - Avoid sharing irrelevant personal information unrelated to the position.
- Vagueness - Do not provide generic answers without specific examples of leadership and results.
- Negativity - Avoid speaking poorly about past employers or colleagues.
Why do you want to work at State Street?
Emphasize alignment with State Street's mission of financial services innovation and commitment to global clients. Highlight enthusiasm for leading diverse teams to drive operational excellence and deliver strategic solutions within the company. Showcase knowledge of State Street's culture of integrity, collaboration, and continuous improvement as key motivators for joining.
Do's
- Company Research - Demonstrate knowledge of State Street's mission, values, and market position.
- Leadership Skills - Highlight past experiences managing teams and driving project success.
- Alignment with Role - Explain how your skills and goals align with the Team Lead position and its responsibilities.
Don'ts
- Generic Answers - Avoid vague responses that do not reflect understanding of State Street specifically.
- Overemphasis on Salary - Do not focus primarily on compensation or benefits when answering.
- Negative Comments - Refrain from criticizing previous employers or expressing dissatisfaction in a negative tone.
Why are you interested in the Team Lead position?
Express genuine enthusiasm for State Street's mission and the specific Team Lead role by highlighting your alignment with their values and commitment to innovation in financial services. Emphasize your leadership experience and ability to drive team performance, collaboration, and project success within fast-paced, regulatory-driven environments. Demonstrate understanding of State Street's culture and your motivation to contribute to their strategic goals through effective team management and mentorship.
Do's
- Research State Street - Understand the company's mission, values, and recent projects to align your answer with their goals.
- Highlight Leadership Skills - Emphasize your experience managing teams, driving collaboration, and achieving targets.
- Show Passion for Team Development - Express your enthusiasm for mentoring and empowering team members.
Don'ts
- Avoid Generic Answers - Don't give vague reasons like "I want a new challenge" without specifics related to State Street or the role.
- Don't Criticize Past Employers - Avoid negative comments that can reflect poorly on your professionalism.
- Refrain from Overemphasizing Personal Gain - Focus on contributing to the team and company success rather than just personal advancement.
What do you know about our company and our services?
Demonstrate thorough research on State Street by highlighting its role as a global financial services provider specializing in investment management, investment research, and trading services. Emphasize knowledge of their innovative technology solutions and commitment to risk management, compliance, and client-centric services. Connect these insights to how your leadership skills can contribute to advancing their strategic goals and enhancing team performance.
Do's
- Research Company Background - Understand State Street's history, mission, and core values before the interview.
- Highlight Relevant Services - Mention State Street's key services such as asset management, investment servicing, and data analytics.
- Connect to Role - Relate your knowledge of the company's services to how you can contribute as a Team Lead.
Don'ts
- Give Generic Answers - Avoid vague statements like "I know you're a good company" without specifics.
- Focus Only on Competitors - Don't emphasize knowledge about competitors instead of State Street.
- Overstate Knowledge - Do not pretend to know more about the company services than you actually do.
Describe your leadership style.
Focus on a collaborative leadership style that fosters open communication and empowers team members to contribute ideas. Highlight experience managing cross-functional teams at State Street by setting clear goals, providing constructive feedback, and encouraging professional development. Emphasize adaptability in guiding teams through changing priorities while maintaining productivity and morale.
Do's
- Authenticity - Present your genuine leadership approach reflecting your values and experience.
- Examples - Use specific scenarios demonstrating successful team management and decision-making skills.
- Alignment - Tailor your leadership style to State Street's values, emphasizing collaboration and accountability.
Don'ts
- Vagueness - Avoid generic answers lacking concrete evidence or clear leadership philosophy.
- Overconfidence - Do not exaggerate capabilities or ignore areas for growth.
- Negativity - Refrain from criticizing past leaders or workplaces in your answer.
How do you motivate your team?
Emphasize fostering open communication and setting clear, achievable goals aligned with State Street's values. Highlight strategies such as recognizing individual contributions, providing continuous feedback, and encouraging professional growth to maintain high team morale and productivity. Demonstrate your ability to adapt motivation techniques based on team members' strengths and challenges to drive overall success.
Do's
- Highlight leadership skills - Emphasize your ability to inspire and guide team members toward common goals.
- Use specific examples - Provide concrete instances where you successfully motivated a team to achieve results.
- Focus on collaboration - Discuss fostering an inclusive environment that encourages open communication and teamwork.
Don'ts
- Avoid vague answers - Do not give generic responses without clear strategies or outcomes.
- Don't blame others - Avoid pointing fingers at team members or external factors for lack of motivation.
- Steer clear of negativity - Do not mention demotivating tactics or using pressure as a main motivational method.
Tell us about a time you handled a conflict within your team.
When answering the question about handling conflict within your team for a Team Lead position at State Street, focus on demonstrating effective communication, problem-solving skills, and leadership. Describe a specific situation where you identified the conflict early, facilitated open dialogue among team members, and guided them towards a mutually beneficial resolution. Emphasize your ability to maintain team cohesion, ensure business continuity, and align resolutions with company values and goals.
Do's
- Conflict Resolution -Describe a specific situation where you successfully resolved a team conflict by facilitating open communication and understanding.
- Leadership Skills -Highlight your ability to lead by example, demonstrating patience, active listening, and empathy during the conflict.
- Outcome Focus -Explain the positive results achieved, such as improved team collaboration, productivity, or morale following your intervention.
Don'ts
- Blame-Shifting -Avoid placing blame on team members or other parties when describing the conflict to maintain professionalism.
- Vagueness -Do not give a generic or unclear answer; be specific about your actions and the conflict details.
- Negative Tone -Refrain from speaking negatively about colleagues or the company, focusing instead on constructive resolution.
Give an example of how you managed competing priorities.
When answering the interview question about managing competing priorities for a Team Lead position at State Street, clearly describe a specific situation where you balanced urgent client needs, project deadlines, and team resource constraints. Highlight your ability to assess task importance using prioritization frameworks, delegate effectively, and communicate transparently with stakeholders to align expectations. Emphasize measurable outcomes such as meeting deadlines, maintaining team morale, and achieving business goals within regulatory standards.
Do's
- Prioritization - Demonstrate your ability to assess tasks by urgency and impact to manage competing priorities effectively.
- Communication - Explain how you kept stakeholders informed about progress and challenges during conflicting tasks.
- Problem-Solving - Highlight specific strategies you used to resolve conflicts between deadlines or resource constraints.
Don'ts
- Disorganization - Avoid describing scenarios where priorities were handled haphazardly or without clear planning.
- Blaming - Refrain from blaming team members or external factors for difficulties in managing priorities.
- Vagueness - Do not give general answers without concrete examples or measurable outcomes to demonstrate your approach.
Describe your experience with process improvement.
Highlight your background in identifying inefficiencies and implementing solutions that streamline workflows and enhance productivity, referencing quantifiable outcomes like reduced processing times or cost savings. Emphasize experience leading cross-functional teams through change management and continuous improvement initiatives, using methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, or Agile. Showcase your ability to analyze data, collaborate with stakeholders, and foster a culture of innovation and accountability in line with State Street's operational excellence values.
Do's
- Quantify Achievements - Highlight specific measurable results from process improvement initiatives to demonstrate impact.
- Use STAR Method - Structure your answer using Situation, Task, Action, and Result to provide clear and concise examples.
- Emphasize Collaboration - Discuss how you worked with cross-functional teams to identify and implement improvements.
Don'ts
- Vague Responses - Avoid giving generic answers without concrete examples or outcomes.
- Blame Others - Refrain from placing blame on colleagues or circumstances when explaining challenges.
- Overlook Relevance - Do not describe improvements irrelevant to the job role or company's industry.
How do you ensure accuracy and attention to detail in your work?
Focus on implementing rigorous quality checks and standardized processes to maintain high accuracy in deliverables. Utilize project management tools and regular team reviews to identify discrepancies early and ensure consistent attention to detail. Emphasize data validation, clear documentation, and proactive communication to uphold State Street's operational excellence standards.
Do's
- Provide Specific Examples - Illustrate your methods for maintaining accuracy with concrete examples from past experiences.
- Highlight Quality Control Techniques - Mention processes such as double-checking, peer reviews, or use of checklists to ensure detail accuracy.
- Emphasize Communication Skills - Explain how clear communication with team members helps avoid errors and maintain high standards.
Don'ts
- Vague Generalizations - Avoid generic statements without supporting examples or specifics about your approach.
- Overlooking Team Involvement - Don't ignore the role of teamwork in ensuring precision and attention to detail.
- Downplaying Challenges - Avoid suggesting that maintaining accuracy is easy or without challenges, which may undermine your problem-solving skills.
Tell us about a difficult decision you made as a team leader.
Describe a specific challenging decision made while leading a team, emphasizing the context at State Street and your role as the team lead. Highlight the problem-solving approach you used, the collaboration with team members, and how you balanced competing priorities to reach a strategic solution. Showcase measurable outcomes such as improved team performance, risk mitigation, or alignment with organizational goals.
Do's
- Provide a clear context - Describe the situation and the challenges faced to give the interviewer a full understanding.
- Highlight leadership skills - Emphasize communication, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
- Show the impact - Explain the positive outcome or lessons learned from the decision.
Don'ts
- Blame others - Avoid shifting responsibility or pointing fingers in the story.
- Be vague - Don't give unclear or general answers without specific examples.
- Focus on personal issues - Keep the response professional and relevant to team leadership and business goals.
How would you handle underperforming team members?
Address underperforming team members by first conducting a thorough assessment of individual challenges and skill gaps using performance metrics and feedback tools. Develop tailored improvement plans with clear goals, regular check-ins, and training resources aligned with State Street's leadership standards. Foster open communication and provide continuous support to motivate accountability and enhance overall team productivity.
Do's
- Active Listening - Listen carefully to understand the root causes of underperformance.
- Constructive Feedback - Provide clear, specific, and actionable feedback to help team members improve.
- Support and Development - Offer training, mentorship, and resources to enhance skills and motivation.
Don'ts
- Blaming - Avoid placing blame or criticizing without understanding the context.
- Ignoring Issues - Do not neglect underperformance as it can impact team morale and productivity.
- Unrealistic Expectations - Avoid setting unattainable goals without providing adequate support and guidance.
What experience do you have with managing remote or global teams?
Highlight your experience leading remote or global teams by detailing specific projects or initiatives where you coordinated cross-functional, multicultural teams across different time zones. Emphasize your expertise in using collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams or Zoom, setting clear communication protocols, and fostering team inclusivity to drive productivity and meet deadlines effectively. Mention measurable outcomes such as improved team performance or successful project delivery that demonstrate your leadership skills in a global context relevant to State Street's focus on financial services.
Do's
- Highlight Remote Leadership Experience - Share specific examples of successfully managing remote or global teams, focusing on communication and collaboration.
- Emphasize Cultural Awareness - Discuss your ability to navigate cultural differences and foster inclusivity among diverse team members.
- Showcase Technology Proficiency - Explain how you utilize remote work tools and platforms to maintain productivity and engagement.
Don'ts
- Avoid Vague Answers - Do not provide generic responses without concrete examples or measurable outcomes.
- Do Not Overlook Challenges - Avoid ignoring the difficulties of remote team management or failing to address how you resolve them.
- Refrain From Assuming Everyone Works the Same - Do not suggest a one-size-fits-all approach without adapting to individual time zones and work styles.
How do you provide feedback to your team?
Providing feedback to a team involves clear, specific communication focused on performance and improvement. I prioritize regular, constructive feedback sessions that highlight strengths and address areas for growth, aligning with State Street's values of transparency and collaboration. Utilizing data-driven insights and active listening fosters a supportive environment where team members feel valued and motivated.
Do's
- Constructive Feedback - Provide specific, actionable suggestions to help team members improve performance and grow.
- Active Listening - Listen carefully to your team's concerns and perspectives before offering feedback.
- Timely Communication - Give feedback promptly to ensure it is relevant and impactful.
Don'ts
- General Criticism - Avoid vague or non-specific feedback that does not help team members identify areas for improvement.
- Public Critique - Refrain from giving negative feedback in front of others to maintain respect and morale.
- Ignoring Positive Behaviors - Do not focus solely on mistakes; acknowledge achievements to motivate and encourage the team.
Explain how you prioritize tasks for yourself and your team.
When explaining how you prioritize tasks as a Team Lead at State Street, emphasize your use of structured frameworks like Agile or Kanban to manage workloads efficiently, ensuring alignment with company goals and client deadlines. Highlight your ability to assess task urgency, impact on project timelines, and resource availability, while fostering team collaboration to adjust priorities dynamically. Demonstrate your proactive communication skills for setting clear expectations, delegating responsibilities effectively, and continuously monitoring progress to meet both individual and team objectives.
Do's
- Time Management - Emphasize using time management techniques like the Eisenhower Matrix to distinguish urgent from important tasks.
- Delegation - Highlight assigning tasks based on team members' strengths and workload to optimize productivity.
- Clear Communication - Stress maintaining transparent communication channels to ensure everyone understands priorities and deadlines.
Don'ts
- Micromanagement - Avoid describing overly controlling behaviors that limit team autonomy and efficiency.
- Ignoring Feedback - Do not mention disregarding team input on task prioritization or workload challenges.
- Overloading - Steer clear of indicating a tendency to assign excessive tasks without considering capacity and resource constraints.
Tell me about a time you had to implement a change within your team.
Describe a specific instance at State Street where you identified the need for change within your team, outlining your strategic approach to communicating and executing that change. Highlight your leadership skills in managing resistance, fostering collaboration, and ensuring alignment with company goals. Emphasize measurable outcomes such as improved efficiency, enhanced team morale, or successful project delivery resulting from your initiative.
Do's
- Provide a specific example - Describe a clear situation where you successfully implemented change within your team.
- Focus on communication - Emphasize how you effectively communicated the change to ensure team understanding and buy-in.
- Highlight problem-solving - Explain the challenges faced and the strategies you used to overcome resistance or obstacles.
Don'ts
- Avoid vague answers - Don't provide general statements without concrete examples or measurable results.
- Don't blame others - Refrain from pointing fingers or discussing team members negatively when addressing challenges.
- Don't neglect outcomes - Avoid ignoring the impact or benefits of the change for the team or organization.
How do you manage stress in a deadline-driven environment?
Effectively managing stress in a deadline-driven environment involves setting clear priorities, breaking down complex tasks into manageable steps, and maintaining open communication with team members to ensure alignment and support. Implementing time management techniques such as the Pomodoro method or blocking focused work periods helps maintain productivity without burnout. Leveraging State Street's collaborative culture, I encourage proactive problem-solving and resilience to meet tight deadlines smoothly.
Do's
- Effective Prioritization - Organize tasks based on urgency and impact to meet deadlines efficiently.
- Open Communication - Keep your team informed about progress and potential obstacles to manage expectations.
- Stress Management Techniques - Use methods like time-blocking and short breaks to maintain focus and reduce stress.
Don'ts
- Ignoring Team Input - Avoid dismissing team feedback which can lead to overlooked issues and increased pressure.
- Procrastination - Do not delay important tasks as it escalates stress and jeopardizes deadlines.
- Overcommitting - Refrain from taking on more responsibilities than manageable, which can impair performance.
What metrics do you use to measure team performance?
Focus on key performance indicators such as project delivery timelines, quality standards adherence, and team collaboration effectiveness when measuring team performance at State Street. Highlight the use of quantitative metrics like sprint velocity and defect resolution rates, alongside qualitative feedback from stakeholders to ensure continuous improvement. Emphasize the importance of aligning these metrics with organizational goals to drive productivity and client satisfaction.
Do's
- Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) - Use specific KPIs like project completion rate, team velocity, and error rate to quantify performance.
- Qualitative Feedback - Include regular feedback from team members and stakeholders to assess communication and collaboration.
- Continuous Improvement - Highlight tracking improvements over time to show progress and adaptability.
Don'ts
- Vague Metrics - Avoid using unclear or generic metrics that do not directly reflect team outcomes.
- Ignoring Team Dynamics - Do not focus solely on numbers without considering team morale and interpersonal relationships.
- Overemphasis on Individual Performance - Avoid measuring only individual achievements instead of overall team success.
Describe your experience with financial services or banking.
Highlight your leadership in financial services by detailing your experience managing teams within banking operations, emphasizing your role in achieving regulatory compliance and risk management objectives at State Street. Discuss specific projects where you streamlined processes, improved client servicing, or implemented financial technologies that enhanced operational efficiency. Showcase your ability to mentor and develop team members while aligning your team's performance with State Street's strategic goals in asset management and custody services.
Do's
- Highlight relevant experience - Focus on specific roles and projects related to financial services and banking to demonstrate your expertise.
- Show leadership skills - Emphasize your ability to manage teams, coordinate tasks, and drive results in a State Street context.
- Use industry terminology - Incorporate key financial concepts and regulatory knowledge pertinent to banking to establish credibility.
Don'ts
- Avoid vague answers - Refrain from general statements without concrete examples related to financial services.
- Don't overlook teamwork - Avoid neglecting your role in collaboration which is critical for a Team Lead position.
- Don't exaggerate skills - Maintain honesty about your experience to build trust with the interviewer.
What tools or systems are you familiar with for project management?
Highlight proficiency in widely-used project management tools such as Microsoft Project, Jira, Trello, and Asana, emphasizing experience in task delegation, progress tracking, and resource management. Mention familiarity with agile methodologies and how tools like Jira facilitate sprint planning and issue tracking, aligning with State Street's dynamic work environment. Demonstrate ability to leverage data analytics and reporting features within these systems to drive informed decision-making and enhance team productivity.
Do's
- Project Management Software - Mention familiarity with tools like Microsoft Project, Jira, Trello, or Asana to demonstrate practical experience.
- Agile and Scrum Methodologies - Highlight experience leading teams using Agile or Scrum frameworks to align with State Street's dynamic environment.
- Collaboration Platforms - Emphasize proficiency in communication tools such as Microsoft Teams or Slack to showcase team coordination skills.
Don'ts
- Overstate Technical Skills - Avoid exaggerating knowledge of tools you are not proficient in, as honesty is critical.
- Ignore Company-Specific Tools - Do not neglect mentioning any familiarity with tools or systems commonly used by State Street.
- Be Vague - Refrain from giving general answers without naming specific tools or explaining how you have used them effectively.
How do you build relationships with stakeholders or clients?
Demonstrate active listening and clear communication to understand stakeholders' needs and expectations, fostering trust and collaboration. Highlight strategies like regular updates, transparency, and delivering consistent results to maintain strong connections. Emphasize the importance of empathy and adaptability in managing diverse clients and aligning project goals with their priorities.
Do's
- Active Listening - Pay close attention to stakeholder concerns and feedback to build trust and understanding.
- Clear Communication - Use concise and articulate language to convey ideas and expectations effectively.
- Empathy - Demonstrate genuine interest in client needs and perspectives to foster strong connections.
Don'ts
- Overpromising - Avoid committing to unrealistic deadlines or deliverables that can damage credibility.
- Ignoring Feedback - Do not dismiss stakeholder input as it can hinder relationship growth and project success.
- Lack of Follow-up - Neglecting timely updates can erode trust and damage professional rapport.
Tell us about a successful project you led.
Highlight a project where you demonstrated leadership by clearly defining goals, coordinating tasks, and ensuring timely delivery aligned with State Street's standards. Emphasize measurable outcomes like improved efficiency, budget adherence, or client satisfaction that showcase your ability to drive results. Mention collaboration with cross-functional teams and how you resolved challenges to meet project objectives effectively.
Do's
- Describe Project Scope - Clearly outline the project's objectives, timeline, and key deliverables to showcase your leadership clarity.
- Highlight Team Collaboration - Emphasize how you coordinated with diverse teams to achieve successful outcomes.
- Quantify Results - Use measurable metrics such as improved efficiency, cost savings, or increased client satisfaction to demonstrate impact.
Don'ts
- Overlook Challenges - Avoid ignoring obstacles faced during the project, as discussing solutions shows problem-solving skills.
- Use Vague Language - Refrain from general statements without specifics, which can weaken your credibility.
- Take Sole Credit - Avoid claiming all success personally; acknowledge team contributions to reflect leadership quality.
How do you stay updated with industry trends and regulations?
Demonstrate commitment by regularly reviewing State Street's industry reports, regulatory updates from bodies like the SEC and FINRA, and leading financial news outlets such as Bloomberg and Reuters. Highlight participation in professional networks, relevant webinars, and continuing education programs focused on emerging financial technologies and compliance standards. Emphasize leveraging internal knowledge-sharing platforms and fostering team discussions to ensure collective awareness of evolving market trends and regulatory changes.
Do's
- Continuous Learning - Highlight your commitment to ongoing education through webinars, courses, and industry certifications relevant to finance and leadership.
- Industry Publications - Mention subscribing to and reading authoritative sources such as Financial Times, Bloomberg, and regulatory updates from SEC or FINRA.
- Networking - Emphasize active participation in professional groups, conferences, and LinkedIn discussions to exchange insights with peers in finance and risk management.
Don'ts
- Vague Responses - Avoid general statements like "I just keep up with news" without specifying concrete sources or methods.
- Ignoring Regulations - Do not overlook the importance of compliance and regulatory changes specific to the financial services sector.
- Isolation - Avoid implying that you rely solely on personal experience instead of collaborative learning and external resources.
Are you comfortable working with cross-functional teams?
Highlight experience leading diverse teams across departments to achieve common goals, emphasizing strong communication and collaboration skills. Explain familiarity with coordinating tasks, resolving conflicts, and aligning team objectives with company strategy at State Street. Showcase adaptability and proactive problem-solving to ensure effective teamwork in a fast-paced financial services environment.
Do's
- Highlight collaboration skills - Emphasize your experience working effectively with diverse departments such as product, engineering, and marketing.
- Show adaptability - Demonstrate your ability to handle varying perspectives and integrate feedback from multiple stakeholders.
- Provide examples - Share specific past instances where you successfully led or contributed to cross-functional teams to achieve project goals.
Don'ts
- Avoid dismissing challenges - Do not claim cross-functional teamwork is always easy without acknowledging potential conflicts and resolutions.
- Don't focus solely on technical skills - Avoid emphasizing only technical expertise without addressing interpersonal and communication abilities.
- Never generalize - Avoid vague statements; tailor responses to reflect State Street's team culture and the Team Lead role requirements.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Focus on demonstrating commitment to growth and leadership aligned with State Street's values and business goals. Emphasize developing advanced skills in financial services, project management, and team leadership while contributing to innovative solutions and operational excellence. Highlight your ambition to lead high-performing teams that drive measurable business impact within the company's dynamic environment.
Do's
- Career Growth -Express a clear vision of advancing to a Team Lead position within State Street.
- Skill Development -Highlight commitment to enhancing leadership and technical skills relevant to the role.
- Company Alignment -Demonstrate knowledge of State Street's values and align personal goals accordingly.
Don'ts
- Unrealistic Expectations -Avoid unrealistic career goals that don't match company opportunities or timeline.
- Lack of Preparation -Do not give vague or generic answers without specific reference to State Street or the Team Lead role.
- Overemphasis on Personal Gain -Refrain from focusing solely on salary or benefits instead of contributions to the team and organization.
Do you have any questions for us?
When asked "Do you have any questions for us?" in a Team Lead interview at State Street, engage by inquiring about the company's leadership development programs, team dynamics, and how success is measured for team leads within their organizational structure. Demonstrate your interest in State Street's strategic goals, such as innovation in financial services and commitment to diversity and inclusion. This showcases your proactive mindset, aligning your leadership style with company values and growth opportunities.
Do's
- Company Culture - Ask about the team dynamics and company values to understand the work environment.
- Role Expectations - Inquire about specific responsibilities and success metrics for the Team Lead position.
- Career Growth - Question opportunities for professional development and advancement within State Street.
Don'ts
- Salary and Benefits - Avoid asking about compensation too early or without the interviewer bringing it up.
- Negative Questions - Refrain from questioning negative aspects or potential conflicts in a confrontational manner.
- Basic Information - Do not ask questions easily answered by the company website or job description.