Interviewing: A Two-Way Street
Posted on Tue, Feb 21, 2012 @ 01:04 PM
There are many talented moms out there actively seeking to re-enter the paid workforce or gearing up to do so in the future. As experts in flexible staffing, Mom Corps team members are often asked about crucial skills for today’s workplace. In our monthly blog series, Career Confidential, we share smart strategies for career re-launchers.
Many people think of an interview as a one-way street, a time for the employer to ask the job seeker questions to see if they are the right applicant for the job. Many people don’t realize that it’s actually a two-way street, a time for both parties to figure out if they are the right fit for each other.
The employer will typically ask you if you have any questions, near the end of the interview and it’s important for you to remember that this is your opportunity to find out the information you need, to make the right decision.
When it’s your turn to ask questions, always be prepared. Employers expect you to ask questions and they are making judgments on the questions you ask, just as they did with the answers you gave to their questions.
A few tips on how to make the most of your questions:
- Come to the interview with a few questions prepared ahead of time. These questions should be information that cannot be gathered from the website and should show that you’ve done some research on the company.
- During the interview you will probably come up with questions that weren’t on the list you made ahead of time. Prioritize all of your questions so that you get the answers that are most important to you in the time allowed.
- When asking questions it’s important to show that you have done enough research on the organization to be able to ask intelligent questions. Know the appropriate terminology for the areas in which you have questions.
- This isn’t the time to ask about salary or benefits. A typical rule of thumb is that these subjects should be addressed when the employers bring them up, not the other way around.
- Use this opportunity to learn more about the culture of the organization. Who does this position report to, what department do they work in and how does this position fit within the structure of the team? These answers will help you get the clearest picture possible regarding the work environment.
- Make sure your questions are open-ended; this ensures that you will get more than a simple yes or no answer.
Remember that interviews at every level within a company are important and part of a procedure. Your Human Resources interview can be a very important first step in learning about how the company functions, as well as your ticket to the next round of interviews.
Interviewing can be a long and tedious process, but it’s important to remember that it sets the stage for your future with a company. Make sure that you provide them with the information they need to make the right decision, but also make sure you get the information you need to make the right decision for yourself, your family and your future.