Engineering Manager interview question · Most asked
How do you write and deliver performance reviews?
Summary
From evidence collected all year and mapped to the ladder; with no surprises — anything significant has been discussed already; structured around impact with examples and one or two growth areas; calibrated with peers; and delivered in conversation.
Longer Answer
Notes per report make reviews faster and fairer and avoid recency bias. Peer input with specific questions adds perspective. Calibration aligns ratings across managers and helps spot bias patterns. In the conversation I spend most time on impact and growth, then agree goals for the next period.
Key Points
- Year-round evidence
- No surprises
- Calibrated, conversational delivery
Deep dive: Performance Reviews and Calibration
Explanation
What interviewers look for
Fairness and rigour.
Red flags
- Writing reviews from memory
- Introducing new criticism in the review
More most-asked Engineering Manager questions
- What does an engineering manager (development manager) do?
- How do you measure your team's performance?
- How do you approach hiring for a new role?
- What makes an interview process fair and predictive?
- How do you help engineers grow their careers?
- How do you handle an engineer who has been underperforming for months?
- An engineer asks for a promotion you don't think they're ready for. What do you say?
- How do you retain strong engineers?