Deciding whether to accept a job offer, or proceed to the next level of a company’s hiring process, is up to you. During an interview, remember: You are evaluating an employer just as much as they are evaluating you.
Keep Your Eyes Open
Pay close attention during your interview, not just to the verbal messages you receive, but also to your interviewer’s demeanor and other subtle – or perhaps not so subtle – signs. If certain things don’t look or feel right, it can only go downhill from there.
Red flags to be aware of include your interviewer:
- Showing up more than a few minutes late. A prospective employer should be respectful of your time. It’s not a good sign if an interviewer keeps you waiting for a lengthy period, without a reasonable explanation.
- Bad-mouthing the employee you would be replacing. This shows poor character and judgment, and does not speak well for the organization as a whole.
- Being unfamiliar with your resume. This is especially disturbing if your interviewer is the person to whom you would be reporting, if hired. It shows a lack of preparation and interest.
- Asking personal questions. Interviews should be objective and un-emotional. In general, asking personal questions is off limits.
- Checking their phone during your meeting. If they’re going to be your employer and they’re not paying attention now, chances are they won’t when you become their employee, either.
- Being unable to clearly explain the role. A job interview shouldn’t leave you with more questions than you had going in. Don’t hesitate to speak up as needed and ask for details or clarification of information. It’s important from the onset you can clearly answer the question, “What will I be doing?”
Get a Feel for Company Culture
Be objective and observant about company culture as well. Signs that something may be amiss are:
- Rudeness: If you experience employees treating one another rudely – during your interview or a tour of the workplace – keep in mind this is a situation where they should be on their best Can you imagine what their worst would look like?
- Signs of high turnover: If an interviewer divulges that a position is being filled for the second or third time in the recent past, it’s critically important to ask why. If there’s a history of unusually high turnover in the job or the department, think twice before moving forward.
As you prepare for your interview, consider working with a career counselor from PrideStaff Fresno. We can help ensure you’re at your best when the big day arrives – and throughout your job search process. Read our related posts or contact us today to learn more.