A lot of times, when interviewing for a job, it’s easy for a job seeker to get caught up in trying to be the perfect candidate. After all, it’s natural to want to impress the hiring manager and move forward in the hiring process, ultimately receiving a job offer. However, it is also easy for many job seekers to get so wrapped up in trying to impress the hiring manager that they forget to make sure the job and company are the right fit for THEM.
There are several things you can do in order to ensure that an opportunity is the right one for you.
1. Do your research
Before you ever have an interview, make sure that you research the company and position. The internet is such a valuable resource when it comes to company research today! Make sure that you utilize this technology to your advantage.
First, take a look at the company’s website.
- What is their mission and what are their values?
- How long has the company been in business and in what line of business are they in?
Typically, most companies will share information on their website about their history, founders, leaders, etc.
Next, be sure to do a random google search on the company. Search for customer and employee reviews. It is important to remember at this point that some of these reviews should be taken with a grain of salt. There will always be unhappy or disgruntled customers or employees, no matter how stellar the company. Just make sure that there are more positive reviews versus negative reviews.
Don’t forget that social media is a huge value when it comes to your research on a company and position. Search LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter in order to find as much information as you can about the company and it’s employees.
When searching on LinkedIn, take notice of the tenure that the company’s employees have.
- Are employees there for many years, or do their employees change jobs after working there for only a year or so?
Don’t forget to ask around. Your friends or acquaintances may be familiar with the company and may be able to share with you some valuable information about the company or employees.
2. Observe
During each interview, be observant. Pay attention to the hiring manager’s attitude.
- Does the manager dodge any of your questions?
- Does the manager appear friendly and welcoming?
If you have the opportunity to walk through the office space, on the way to the interview room, take notice of the area.
- Are employees cubicles decorated and does the office have a warmth to it?
- Are employees busy at work, smiling and enjoying their job?
- Do the employees look at you as you walk by and smile?
These are all things to observe that will help you to ensure that the culture and environment are the right fit for you.
3. Ask questions
During most interviews, there is a chance for you to ask questions. Make sure that you have questions in mind that you would like to ask. It is perfectly fine for you to write down these questions beforehand and reference them at the end of the interview. When you take the time to ask questions, it not only makes you look good as a candidate, but it also helps you to learn more about the company in order to make sure it’s the right fit.
If benefits are a key thing for you, be sure to ask about benefits. If a creative and fun environment is of utmost importance to you, ask the manager to describe the type of culture the company has.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions, but also remember that you don’t want to overdo it. Typically, in your first interview, you will ask 3-4 questions. If the first interview goes well, you will be called back for a second interview which will normally be more in-depth and will allow you to ask more questions then.
How do you make sure an opportunity is the right fit for you? Please share your tips below.
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