A job interview is a very important and exciting part of the job search. There is an element of a gamble to it, for it may either result in a significant change of life or in disappointment with the need to send applications and land an interview again. It may be a stressful process for an applicant, especially if it is the career change they really aspired to.
For the interview to be successful, job seekers have to come prepared. The first thing is confidently to answer the question. The second one is to ask questions and find out all the information that will impact one’s final decision.
The interrogation: do it like a professional that you are
The way you present yourself during the interview is important. It is a chance for an applicant to prove everything the hiring manager liked in the resume and finally land a job. If you want your interview to go smoothly, but get confused about some questions, be ready in advance. Here are some tips from career resources professionals in Resume Service 24 that will make this stage easier for you.
- Make the narrative about your key skills a story. Tell about your career path as a continuous story. It will help to establish your image as a professional who understands and is interested in the field.
- Make sure to use the field-specific vocabulary. It also contributes to the idea of your qualification and justifies the salary you expect.
- Feel free not to answer the questions that have nothing to do with your career. Some recruiters use such questions to see how stress-resistant the applicant is, and some just seem to be a little tone-deaf. Neither of the options allows people to violate your boundaries, so you are not obliged to answer such questions.
- Make sure to make this conversion a dialogue rather than an interrogation. Engage in the process and approach each question as an expert.
- Remember that the employer is not the only party who makes a decision. They are as interested in hiring a qualified professional as you are in finding a decent job. If you are a suitable candidate, the final decision is on you. For that reason, do not be afraid to ask questions too.
Questions to ask after the interview
To make a weighted decision on your future career in the company, one needs to define the expectations of both sides. Plus, it is extremely important to see whether the company is a match in terms of vision, values, and attitudes to employees. Consider asking these questions to invest in your career the most reasonable amount of energy.
#1 What is the common attribute of your top performers?
This question will help you see what can lead you to higher positions in the company. Usually, such qualities are the same in many companies. In fact, you can get help with highlighting those with the use of resume writing service one step ahead and frame your work experience the right way. Yet, you need to ask the question just to make sure your visions match.
#2 What could you tell me about the culture your company promotes?
Their answer to this question will show whether you will feel comfortable devoting much of your time to the work and growing professionally there. Usually, reputable companies aim to create the best conditions possible for their employees’ professional development.
#3 Are there any initiatives your company supports?
This question will show whether the company supports its values and attitude with its actions. If their values are limited by the communications only, it will probably be the same in their attitude towards its staff.
#4 What do you personally like about working here?
This question will show whether the current staff of the company is satisfied with what they do. However, pay attention to the answer and see if it resonates with your idea of job satisfaction. For example, if they only talk about salary and benefits, while your priority is professional fulfillment, you may find yourself conflicted later.
#5 What does the company expect me to accomplish during the probation period?
With this question answered, your probation will be easier. First, you will see your clear objectives throughout the period. Second, you will be less overwhelmed with all the new information you will consume during the first days at your new job.
#6 How did the company support employees during the pandemic?
It is another question that will help to reveal how the company treats its employees. While the question about values may be more abstract, the question about the crisis situation is more practical. Basically, if anything like that happens again, this is what the employees will have to expect in the future.
#7 Why did the person in this position leave?
This question will help you see the conditions in your position. Additionally, it will reveal some problems, if there are any. For example, if the previous person in your position left because of the promotions, it is great. If they left because of burnout or dissatisfaction, you might have the same destiny one day.
If the job interview may be overwhelming for you, treat it like the first date. Your goal here is not to make the other party like you, whatever that takes. Your main objective during such an interview is to make sure it will be comfortable for you to work there. Hence, do not hesitate to ask any questions about the company you find relevant, for the final decision is on you.
