Find Out What YOU Want in A 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.
 
Not only are they interviewing you, but also you’re interviewing them! Will you be happy at the agency? Think about what information matters to you and find tactful ways to ask your interviewer what you need to know.  If you're not exactly sure how to do that, read on...

In most job interview scenarios, you are sweating trying to make sure to get the right answers to the right questions.  But, as you pursue your dream career, there is more you need to consider.  Like, exactly what will you be doing and how does it relate to your core values?  Will you actually be happy at the new job?  Why?  

Take the time to not only nail the interview with the right answers, but also diplomatically collect the information you need to make an informed decision - in your favor!  Here's four quick tips!

1. Learn about the organizational culture. Organizational culture gets discussed a lot because it's so fundamental to figuring out if you and that new company are compatible. Maybe you like a structured environment or perhaps you prefer being part of a start-up program. This is your opportunity to find out more about the agency.  So, ask questions about the direction of the agency and its mission statement.  What are the goals over the next few years?  How do they think they will achieve the goals?
   
   
2. Assess your chances for job satisfaction. Understand yourself. Take my free Dream Career Values Inventory and get acquainted with your core career values.  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, like building a side hustle.  Others want a healthy work/life balance.  What matters to you most?
   
   
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 and happiness. Listen carefully to pick up on what qualities they value and how they communicate and resolve conflicts.  
   
   
4. Consider your career path. 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. Determine if this position will put you on the path to your dream career.  If not, it may not be the best job for you.

Finally, begin to think of job interviews as a two-way exchange.  It's more of a conversation than an audition where you're spending time trying to impress the other side.  This will also help you relax and get the answers you need. Take good notes and develop a few open-ended questions that help the employer reveal as much as possible about how the organization works.  By planning ahead, you can make the most out of any job interview and ensure it's a good fit for you!

Andrala Walker is the Founder of Envision Career Success and a certified career coach.  She teaches women how to get bigger salaries, bigger promotions and bigger influence!

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