Many people have the misconception that they don’t have power when it comes to a job interview.

But it’s a two-way street so remember that you can ask questions to decide if a company’s values align with your own and whether you want to continue with the process. You’re not just there to impress the company but to ensure it’s the right decision for you too before accepting or declining the role.

You’re interviewing them just as much as they’re interviewing you… ensure that you:

• Evaluate the company culture

If you’ve done your research and have found the company that you’re interviewing for is a very inclusive and tight-knit bunch that appreciates working together, then ensure you observe these values for yourself.

Observe the atmosphere, how their employees interact, and the overall work environment and compare this to how they market themselves!

• Get your questions answered

During a job interview, hiring managers will ask you questions when they need clarification on any part of your experience or expertise to make sure they’re hiring the right person, and you should do the same. Ask all your questions and get these answered so you feel confident about making a final decision.

If an interviewer gives a vague response, then ask for more specifics—after all, accepting a new job can be a life-changing decision. To ensure that you’re moving forward with the right role, you’ll need to get all your deal breaker questions answered.

Examples:

• If growing in a role and climbing the ladder is crucial to you, consider asking the hiring manager or employer about the growth opportunities that are available. If you’re looking to up-skill, learn from experienced colleagues, and undertake training in your next role, then it’s important that you figure out if this is an available option before progressing further.
• Whereas if you prioritise working in a collaborative team environment and want to know about the team dynamics, we suggest asking about the team structure, communication processes, and how the team operates and overcomes issues.

If you don’t know what other questions to ask your interviewer, take some inspiration from the ones we’ve outlined in ‘Smart Questions to Ask in An Interview to Increase Your Chances of Being Hired’.

• Evaluate the interviewer’s communication 

Evaluate the employer’s communication with you during, before, and after the job interview. Seeing how they talk to you, how often they keep you in the loop, and how long they draw out the hiring process will strongly indicate how they handle communication within their team. But keep in mind that some companies are on tight deadlines and might need to prioritise other work-related matters which is why it might take longer than expected to receive an update.

• Look for ‘red flags’

Most of the above will determine if the company is setting off warning bells. But other noticeable red flags to look out for include how you’re treated during the job interview, if the meeting is postponed more than twice, or if they’re noticeably late without apologising. Keep these particular red flags in mind to see if the company passes or if it’s better for you to decline the role.

• Listen to your gut feeling

In the end, trust your gut feeling. Chances are, this isn’t your first role, and from your previous experiences you’ll know if something doesn’t feel right. Typically, if you find it effortless to converse with your interviewer and think you could fit into the environment quite easily, it’s worth giving it a shot!

Have a question for us? If you’re a job seeker on the lookout for your next role, a hiring manager looking to fill a position, or want to know more about this topic, contact us at Humanised Group! We’re here to help you succeed.