Some people think of a job interview as a one-way street; the interviewer takes the assertive role asking questions while the interviewee plays the passive role answering best to positively influence. If you’re applying for a job, be equipped to interact proactively in the interview process,
after all this is about your future, career and personal contentment.
It is the way to acquire the information you need to evaluate the position and make a decision as to whether it is the right one for you. Asking the right questions also helps you gain the information you need to match your qualificiations to the requirements of the job; and when you’re actively involved it shows that you’re interested in the company, in making the right decisions, and it can make a strong impression on interviewers to convince them you’re the right person for the role.
There are 4 broad areas you should be focusing on to ascertain if you are the right fit for the organisation and it’s culture, while at the same time the organisation is assessing your fit for the role and business.
Ability to do the job Ability to perform the outcomes of the job in their environment Alignment to your values; and Pay and benefits
Ability to do the job: asks for a job description if it’s not already provided to you. This will clarify major responsibilities and expectations and will help assess if you have the relevant background to deliver the skill set they’re looking for. What is the job specifically and how does your past experience, qualifications and training align?
- What are the major responsibilities of the role?
- What qualifications & skills would the best suited candidate posses?
Ability to perform the outcomes of the job in their environment: Most organisations have specific outcomes from the role, and although your experience may be in the field, it may not be strong enough in the areas they are particularly interested in. Taking the time to question the alignment will provide you with the information to be able to either bridge the gap or to ascertain it isn’t the job for you.
- Beyond the job description, what are the expectations?
- How long has the position existed? Is it a newly formed role, or pre-existing?
- What situations need immediate attention?
- What are the short & long term goals of the position?
These are the technical aspects of interview questions, the biggest area you need to pay attention to is the company’s alignment with your values.
We’ve all heard the term
“You don’t quit your job, you quit your boss or company”.
Many people have accepted roles only to find that fundamental misalignment of values and behavioural expectation have lead them into a role they do not enjoy. This leads to lack of engagement, low productivity, low morale and finally resignation.
Alignment to your values: Take time to assess past roles and experiences in order to understand what kind of working environment suits you best. When were you most passionate where work was fun, exciting and productive. Ideally you would be looking for a new role that fits those needs. This understanding forms the basis for your questions, take the time to ask about the work environment, values and culture in order to satisfy yourself that you’re not just jumping into a role that you may be unhappy with.
- Can you tell me about other team members I would be working with?
- What are the values of the business and how are they implemented?
- Can you describe the culture of the organisation?
- What is the average tenure of employees within the business?
Reward and Benefits: This of course is an important factor to consider in return for our time, effort & output. Take the time to understand what the remuneration and benefits of the role are, this will allow you to make the best decision, especially if you are applying for multiple roles.
- How would successful performance be measured & rewarded?
- Can you tell me about the company’s development & training program?
- Is there opportunitiy for career progression and if so where?
This is the beginning of empowering you to manage your career, achieve career satisfaction and be rewarded optimally for your input.
Asking questions throughout the process provides you with the right information to make the right decision.
Think about your career and your future and prepare good questions. Best of luck!!
Contact us to land your dream career.
About the Authors
Melinda Beyer is passionate in assisting clients to achieve their strategic and business objectives. She has a strong ability to assess, analyse and understand a client’s requirements or needs, and translate them into practical solutions and outcomes. Melinda Beyer is the General Manager at Career Life Transitions.
Peter James is a professional career coach, with expertise in the areas of strategic and ‘hands-on’ change management, coaching, group facilitation, leadership development and organisational design and change. Peter James is director at Harrogate Consulting.
Dr Susan Roberts says: