When it comes time to look for a new job here is a few questions that will be good to find out.

Good characteristics in a new company:

• Ability to offer dependability and stability to an employee looking for a place to stay for the long term.
• Financially stable.

Development enviroment:

• SDLC
• What software and/or tools are used?
• What version control system is used?
• What kind of project manangement structure is used and what tools are used to maintain it?
• How do you ensure the quality of your products?

Development team:

• How big is the team?
• What skill levels are people at?
• Where would you fit into the team?
• What was the turnover in your team and company in the last year? Why did people leave?
• How often and for what reasons is a person expected to work overtime?
• What kind of development environment does the company have? Flexible, ridgid, laid back, etc.
• Will my personal work practices be acceptable or will I be expected to conform to the rest of the team?
• What does the team do for learning new skills? Training? Education? Shows? Conferences?
• What was the last training that the company invested in for their developers?
• How is conflict between developers handled?
• How is conflict between developers and business users handled?

Joel test:

• Ask the questions and find out what they will admit to.
• If you can find an employee or former employee ask them to take the Joel test for the company.