Standing out during an interview doesn’t require any tricks or gimmicks. You need to remember that the interview is just not about your potential employer screening you. It’s a back-and-forth where you should ask the questions that will get you the answers you need to be comfortable working for said employer. There is nothing worse than being excited about landing a gig then realizing what a mistake it was a few weeks in. If you interview enough and hone this skill you will find yourself realizing when the job is not a good fit for you, stopping the interview, collecting your resume, and walking out. It takes patience, discipline, and temerity. But you can do it. After all, you need to showcase those traits if you want to land a gig these days.
What are some questions you should be asking when interviewing a prospective company? Here are a few examples:
1. Can you describe a typical day in this type of role? What percentage of the day do employees get to focus on their work? How does it support the corporation’s goals?
2. How long have you been with the company and what makes you stay? What is your favorite thought about the company?
3. How would you describe the work environment and corporate culture? How long has that culture been in place? Is the culture a competitive advantage?
4. What are some of the goals for the company in the short and longer term? How does this role I’m applying for fit in? What is the company’s five year plan?
5. How do you measure performance here? What are the important measures? How will I be measured?
6. What types of career opportunities may open up down the road for a person starting out in this type of position? What is the natural advancement track? Are there lateral job opportunities?
7. What are some of the company’s initiatives regarding learning and development? How much does the firm embrace training?
It goes without saying that you should thoroughly research any company you go to have an interview with and you should customize your questions for your interview. If you are interviewing with a firm that has a very well known culture or performance measures then you should show that you’re knowledgeable about it.
As such, you should start your interview questions with a statement, for example:
“I have read over and over again/It is popular belief/This firm has a reputation for…xyz. How accurate would you say this is? Would you say what I have read/this belief/this reputation is true/accurate/fair?”
You owe it to yourself and your own goals and dreams to make sure any employer you give your time to will be a partner in fulfilling those dreams.
Time is the most precious commodity you have. Make sure you sell it wisely.