What is the purpose of non-technical questions?

The non-technical interview questions are meant to measure the match between your experience, character, and personality, and your ability to fit in with other employees and teams. Being a good fit in the existing team(s) is a must. These questions are also useful for creating a human connection between you and the company and seeing whether there is any compatibility or chemistry between their ideal candidate and your education, beliefs, ideas, expectations, culture, and so on. Moreover, non-technical questions cover the practical and pragmatic aspects of the job as well, such as salary, relocation, medical insurance, work schedule, willingness to do overtime, and so on.

There are companies that reject candidates based on this non-technical interview, even if they were initially minded to make an offer.

Some companies hold this interview before the technical one. These companies try to determine right from the start whether your experience and goals make you a good candidate for the job in question. It is like saying that the human part has priority over the technical part.

Other companies hold this interview after the technical one. These companies try to determine what is the best offer for you. This is like saying that the technical part has priority over the human part.

Non-technical questions don't have right or wrong answers! In these situations, the best answers are sincere answers. As a rule of thumb, answer as you feel; don't try to say what the interviewer wants to hear. It's like a negotiation – there will be trade-offs. Don't forget to be polite and respectful.

Further, let's see the most common non-technical questions and some answer suggestions. Don't learn/copy these answers! Try to come up with your own answers and focus on what you want to highlight. Shape and repeat the answers at home and be prepared when you come in front of the interviewer. Don't rely on your spontaneity; rely on sincerity and balance the trade-offs.