Sweaty palms and underarms, racing heart, dry mouth – these are the ailments of a typical job interviewee. When it comes to interviews, most potential employees are concerned only about impressing their interviewer, desperate to be offered employment. However, in their race to be the chosen applicant, many interviewees overlook the importance of comparing the potential workplace against any ideals they have for a career.
This is unfortunate because, if selected for the job, a new employee may very well realize the new workplace environment is less than ideal. This results in an employee struggling to make the most of a new job and an employer wondering why the latest hire isn’t living up their initial expectations.
If you’re currently applying for jobs, keep in mind the importance of interviewing your interviewers. While you may be desperate to find a new job and get out of your current workplace, the situation likely won’t improve with the new employer unless you’ve assessed whether a potential job will be a great fit.
The following are tips for interviewing your interviewers to ensure your job offer acceptance isn’t a dire mistake:
Ask questions – During initial and follow-up interviews, ask questions. Some interviewees are fearful of asking questions, thinking they’ll be viewed as too forward or as know-it-alls. However, by not asking questions, you won’t learn the information needed to determine if the job will be a great fit. Additionally, interviewers remember interviewees who ask questions because this shows an interest in the position. Ask questions regarding the typical assignment and completion process, examples of typical workdays, and others you feel are applicable to the job opening.
Assess the employees – If given a workplace tour, assess your potential future co-workers. You’ll be working with these people each day so it’s essential that you enjoy their company. Take note of a few names and then look them up on social networks. This can offer a more in-depth idea of their lifestyles and whether you’d feel comfortable interacting with them each day.
Review workplace resources – If you’re a professional who’s used to working with the latest technology, transitioning to a workplace with outdated resources likely won’t foster your skills. As such, ask the potential employer about the resources you’ll be given and how often office equipment is updated.
Critique the environment – Most people prefer to work in comfortable and cheerful environments. If you find a potential workplace to be dark and dungeon-inspired, you probably won’t enjoy working there for long. Also, ask about policies regarding workspace decorations and if you’ll be allowed to bring in family photos and other important mementos.
As an interviewee, it’s in your best interest to properly assess any job offer you’re given. From asking questions of a potential employer to learning a little about future co-workers, obtain the details you need to determine whether this career change will be beneficial. In doing so, you’ll avoid making a dire mistake and will also likely impress the potential employee with your in-depth inquiries.
Is there a particular process you go through when assessing a potential workplace?
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