A job interview is equally important for both the interviewee and the interviewer. There are a few key things to keep in mind when preparing for an interview in order to ensure a suitable fit for either the interviewee or interviewer.
As an interviewee:
The first thing an interviewee should do is to review his or her resume and cover letter. Make sure that all the information in it is updated and accurate.
Second, prepare some questions about yourself that you think the interviewer would ask so that you wouldn’t be caught off guard. You can find some sample questions online, but make sure to tailor them according to the role you are applying for.
Lastly, think about what you want to wear for the interview. Dress appropriately and make sure your attire is clean and wrinkle-free. In addition to the above basics, the following are a few tips to keep in mind as an interviewee:
- Can Do: Think about what you CAN do for the company and how your skills/ experience would be an asset. This will show that you’re excited and have done your research on the organization.
- Will Do: There may be some projects or tasks that you may not be familiar with, but be willing to take on anything that’s asked of you. This shows enthusiasm and a willingness to learn new things.
- Will Fit: It’s important to be yourself during an interview and let your personality shine through. This will help the interviewer get a sense of whether you would be a good fit for the company culture.
Good questions for an interviewee to ask at an interview
Make sure you have some good questions to ask at the end of your interview, as this is often when employers make their final decisions.
Some questions you could ask include:
1. What are the duties of this position on a day-to-day basis?
It’s critical to learn as much as you can about the position before agreeing to accept it. The interviewer’s answer will provide insight into what abilities and expertise are necessary, as well as assist you in determining whether the job is appropriate for you.
If you get the job and discover that it’s not what you expected, find out why. Find out exactly what the employer wants of you by asking him or her this question.
2. How can I wow you in the first three months?
This is a good question to ask at the conclusion of a job interview since it demonstrates that you’re eager to make a beneficial contribution to the company. Pay close attention to the recruiter’s response, as it will indicate how they want you to perform and which areas of the position you should concentrate on during your first few weeks on board.
Is there a chance for training and advancement within the role?
Inquiring about development possibilities shows the interviewer that you’re serious about your career and dedicated to continuing with the firm. You don’t want to be stuck in a dead-end job, so if you’re unsure of how typical a person in this position’s career would go.
3. In the next five years, where do you think the firm will be?
You’ll get a better sense of the company’s future plans and its position in the market if you ask about them. You could also get a heads-up on any major upcoming projects. It demonstrates a genuine interest in the organization and reaffirms your dedication to it by asking
4. What is the company’s culture like?
Asking this question can help you assess the workplace and see whether you’ll be accepted. You will learn if and how the organisation values employee happiness, as well as any other perks on offer, and what the work-life balance is like from the recruiters’ answers.
5. Can you tell me more about the team I would be working with?
This will assist you in comprehending the company’s structure, who you’ll report to, and the department your role is within. These are the individuals with whom you’ll spend most of your time, so it’s worth attempting to figure out how things operate on a team level and what the team dynamic is like.
By asking questions, you are showing that you are interested in the role and the company and that you have done your research. Asking questions also gives you a chance to get a better understanding of the role and whether it is a good fit for you.
As an interviewer:
It is also essential for an interviewer to be well-prepared for the meeting. Review the resume and cover letter of the interviewee prior to the meeting. This will give you a sense of who the person is and what he or she can bring to the table. Prepare some questions in advance, but don’t memorize them. You want to come across as interested and engaged in the conversation, not robotic.
And lastly, be aware of your own body language. Smile and make eye contact when speaking to the interviewee. Sit up straight and avoid crossing your arms, which can make you appear closed off. In addition to the basics, the following are a few tips to keep in mind as an interviewer:
- Can do: Ask questions that will assess the candidate’s skills and experience to see if they are a good fit for the role.
- Will Do: Probe beyond the surface-level answers to get a sense of how the candidate would handle certain situations.
- Will Fit: Ask questions about the company culture and what the candidate is looking for in their next role.
When these 3 areas are aligned, there is a greater chance of success for the individual and the organisation.
4 Step process that would pay off for an interviewer
It takes a lot of time and energy to get an executive involved in the typical activities of a business. However, there is a shocking dearth of effort put into systematic attempts to improve this ancient process. We have been lulled by habit with interviews, which implies it appears that a little effort aimed at investigating our interview techniques would pay off handsomely.
1. Planning preparation and practice
The first step is to get the commitment of everyone who will be involved in the process. The people making the decisions about whom to interview and hire should understand that the quality of these decisions has a direct impact on organisational performance. They should also understand that, like any other business activity, the interview process can be improved with some planning, preparation and practice.
2. Design the interview around the job
The second step is to design the interview around the job. This means that you need to take the time to understand what the job entails and what sort of person would be successful in doing it. Once you have a clear understanding of these two things, you can begin to develop a set of interview questions that will allow you to assess whether or not a particular candidate has the necessary skills and attributes.
3. Conducting the interview
The third step is to conduct the interview in such a way that you are able to collect the information you need to make an informed decision. This means asking questions that are relevant to the job and giving the candidate an opportunity to provide detailed responses. It also means paying attention to both what the candidate says and how they say it.
4. After the interview
The fourth step is to debrief everyone who was involved in the interview process immediately after the interview has been conducted. This is important because it allows you to get feedback from those who were present during the interview and to make any necessary adjustments to the process.
By preparing adequately for an interview, both the interviewee and interviewer can ensure a good fit. The number one rule of interviewing is to be prepared. This means having a clear understanding of what the role entails and being able to speak to your experience in a way that is both honest and engaging.
