Turn The Tables

I am continuing my blog on the subject of interviews.  I am at the point where I am finally getting more interview opportunities.  Writing advise about interviews and the interview process continues to be great therapy for me.

Sometimes it feels like the interview process is an interrogation or inquisition.  It can be extremely unnerving.  That's because you are doing all the answering and not the one asking questions.

It is possible to turn the tables during the interview.

At some point in the interview you may have a chance to impress the employer on your own terms and see if the job is a good fit for you. You should absolutely take this opportunity to do so. By asking the right questions you can determine if the job is right for you and also show you're engaged and interested in the job.

You can gain insight, put yourself in a good light, and take some control in the interview if you identify with their pain such as:

What is one of the biggest problems the company faces that someone with my background could help alleviate?

If you started in this job tomorrow, what would be your two most pressing priorities?

Find out where the company is going.

Where is this department/company in five years?
What are the long and short term goals of the company/department/work group?

Determine whether you'd fit in.

Ask about the company's culture.

What qualities attracted you to the organization?

Show you're really interested.

Ask if there is any additional information you can provide about your qualifications.

Definitely ask what the next steps in the selection process is.

Ask follow-up questions.

Perhaps ask them to clarify or ask for examples.

By requesting clarification or examples, you show interviewers you care and that you're thinking deeply about the issues they brought up.

What you don't want to ask are questions with obvious answers.

Remember to do your homework before the interview.

It's important to remember the job interview is a two-way street.

Happy Interviewing.....