The 4 questions every SDET recruiter asks (and the frameworks to answer them)

If you are applying for SDET or QA roles right now, you already know the recruiter screen is the gatekeeper. They aren't testing your code yet; they are testing your communication and red flags.

Here are the 4 core questions you will almost certainly face, and the frameworks to handle them:

1. "Tell me about yourself."

Don't ramble. Use the Present-Past-Future framework. Give a 90-second pitch covering your current technical focus, the past experience that built your foundation, and why your future goals align with their open role.

2. "Why this role/company?"

Avoid generic answers. Use the Connect & Connect method. Connect your specific skills to a line item in their job description, and connect your personal values to their product or engineering culture.

3. "Why are you looking to leave?"

Never speak negatively about your current employer. It's an instant red flag. Frame your answer purely around running towards a new opportunity (e.g., wanting more ownership of a test framework), not running away from a bad situation.

4. "What are your salary expectations?"

It's a game of chess. Step 1: Defer. Politely ask what the budgeted range is for the role first. Step 2: Provide a researched range. If they press you, give a range based on specific market data (like levels.fyi) for your exact location and seniority.

I know reading text isn't for everyone, so I just recorded a 5-minute video walking through exact scripts and examples for each of these frameworks.

📺 You can watch the full breakdown here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDtkModGtFg

Drop any questions you have about the recruiter screen in the comments and I'll answer them!