Reclaiming Your Power: Using Interviews To Determine Job Fit
Interviewing for a new position can be an intimidating and nerve racking experience for candidates. Many consider employers to have the upper hand in these interactions while they assess your skills, experience, and communication to see if you’re a fit for the role and the company. It is true that this evaluation determines whether you are successful in proceeding further into the process and receiving an offer, however it doesn’t mean that you as a candidate should feel powerless.
Interviews are a tool for employers to gather enough information to find the right person for the job, but they are also an opportunity for interviewees to determine whether the opportunity, company, and interview experience is compatible with their values, career, and experience. No matter a candidate’s circumstance - unemployed, actively seeking, or passively looking - an interview should be approached as an opportunity to conduct their own assessment.
Here’s how to determine if the opportunity is the right fit for you:
Ask questions: Any good interviewer should take time to ask you if you have any questions. This is a great opportunity to clarify details about the role as well as ask the interviewer questions about the company, the culture, and their experience as an employee.
Note any red flags: Are the interviewer’s answers vague? If they don’t know the answer do they offer to look into it for you? Is the interviewer abrupt or rushed? Are they replacing someone in this role, if so why? Has the position been open for a long time, if so why? Does the interviewer give a negative impression?
Be clear about compensation: It is important to determine early on whether the opportunity meets your salary and benefits expectations. At the very least, an interviewer should know the salary range and be able to provide you with general information on benefits. Knowing this information upfront ensures that you do not waste anyone’s time.
Know the interview process: A company’s interview process can reveal a lot about how they operate. It also lets you know what type of time commitment they are expecting from candidates. As well, it lets you know who you will be interviewing with. Overly lengthy or unclear interview processes can be a result of a company culture that lacks efficiency and that imposes unrealistic expectations.
An interview is a two-way evaluation, allowing candidates to not only showcase their skills and experience but also to assess whether the role is the right fit for them. Asking insightful questions, spotting red flags, discussing compensation openly, and understanding the interview process allows you to make informed decisions about potential opportunities. Embracing this perspective empowers candidates to approach interviews with confidence, ensuring that you will find the right next step for your career.
