5 WAYS TO JUMPSTART Your job Interview

Job interviews provide an important opportunity to discover if you and your new employer will be a good match before you leap into a new position. So often we get distracted by either wanting a job so bad or feeling desperate that we forget all about "job fit" - whether this will be a good place for you.  
 
Remember that not only are they interviewing you, but also you’re interviewing them! Will you be happy in the job? You definitely need to think about this before you make a critical decision to say yes.  Think about what information matters to you and find tactful ways to ask your interviewer what you need to know. Here are five ways to jumpstart your job interview and get the answer you need...

1. First, learn about the organizational culture. Organizational culture gets discussed a lot because it's so fundamental to figuring out if you and a new company are compatible. Maybe you like a structured environment or perhaps you prefer being part of a start-up venture. This is your opportunity to find out more about the company. In the interview, ask a question or two about the work environment, like "How would you describe a typical day?"  This simple question can tell you a lot about the culture.  

2. Assess your chances for job satisfaction. It is all about career clarity!  Understanding what makes you tick will help you determine if the job is a good fit. Are your priorities geared towards helping others or opportunities for advancement? Some people are content with a position so long as it enables them to pursue outside interests.  Be honest about what you really need in a career and don't settle for less.

3. Tune into your potential supervisor's objectives. Your supervisor's work style and goals will likely play a big role in your working life. Listen carefully to pick up on what qualities they value and how they communicate and resolve conflicts.  Ask about his or her management style and their expectations from new employees to gain more insight.

4. Consider your career path. Again, here's that need for clarity.  Plan ahead for your future. Figure out where you want to be in 5 to 10 years so you'll know if you're taking steps to get there with this position. Ask yourself if the position will take you toward or away from your goals.

5. And finally, nail down the compensation package. Get familiar with the salary range for the position in question, but try to avoid discussing specifics until you know they want to hire you. When you reach that point, you can talk about the details.

Interested in learning more about job interview preparation or salary negotiation?  Then take a look at the available courses in my Career Clarity Academy.  The most important thing you can do when landing your dream career is making sure it's a good fit for you - not just in terms of salary but also in organizational culture and your career goals.