If you head out to your interview with a new mantra, perhaps you will approach this event totally differently. Instead of thinking “I want this job”, “I need this job” change your programming to
“DO I WANT THIS JOB?”
Who wants to accept a job that isn’t a good fit? I continue to read and see how competitive the job market is. I am not recommending arrogance, but inquisitiveness.
Ask open ended, non-leading questions to get the best answers. Do thorough research on the company and add specific company questions as well.
- What are the most significant factors affecting your business today?
- What is the greatest demand for your services or product?
- How do you differ from your competition?
- Describe your star employee. What are the qualities of people who perform best in this?
- If this company was known for 3 things as a workplace, what do you think those 3 would be?
- What trends do you see in the future that will affect your organization and industry?
By asking these open ended questions, you allow the interviewer to speak about the issues that are most important to them- right now. Listen carefully to which path they chose to take as they answer. You may think you know the answers, but the interviewer might have a different logic.
Asking questions shows interest, that’s a good thing. Remember to go back and clarify what is important to you in a job, fit and culture. This will allow you to investigate those areas during the interview.
Having these pre-written questions with you during the interview will remind you of what you are supposed to be asking. Those endorphins have a way of stealing your brain power.
The idea is to have a dialog with your interviewer. The flow should go something like this: They ask you a question. You provide an answer and ask them a question. A nice tennis match feel.
However, if the interview is inexperienced this can be quite challenging. They may do all the talking as a result of their insecurity. Listen dutifully. Be careful not to threaten their egos by interrupting too often.
[...] with people) should enable you to ask more specific questions. Remember, an interview should be an exchange of information, not an interrogation by either party involved. And ALWAYS have questions to ask during the interview because it shows [...]
[...] a job or internship interview should be an exchange of information, not an interrogation by either party involved. And ALWAYS have questions to ask during the interview because it shows [...]
[...] If you are looking for more questions to ask during the interview, you can read: Interviewing is a fact-finding mission, not an interrogation. [...]