Taking Control of the Job Interview Process

Many people feel that a job interview is a passive inquisition where they must cater to the interviewer’s whim. If the Candidate is successful then they will be rewarded with a job. This is not true, especially in the millennium generations.

An interview is a game of chess, you can either be slowly eradicated, or take control of the interview. This is by no means an exhaustive list of possible interview questions for job candidates to ask hiring managers, but they are questions that demonstrate to the employer that the job seeker is confident, prepared, and interested in the organization. Asking questions requires a little finesse. Approaching the questioning using coaching methods of asking and incorporating listening techniques will not only help open doors to discuss how to fit into the company, but it offers an opportunity to show off your management and people skills. Some Career coaches suggest waiting until the interviewer asks, ‘do you have any questions for us? The job interview is a two way street. Whatever direction the question goes, the Candidate needs to have their research done if they want to maintain any ‘active roll’ in the recruitment process. Make sure when you are asking questions you include the follow ups: • "Can you clarify what you said about...?" • "Can you give me some examples of...?"

Questions you can ask: 1.	How would you characterize this organization? 2.	What are the challenges I will face in this job position? 3.	What do you expect me to accomplish in the first six to 12 months? 4.	What skills and achievements would make me a success at this job? 5.	How does this company measure success? 6.	What are three key things that really drive results for the company? 7.	How does this position contribute to the company’s goals, productivity, or profits? 8.	How do you describe the company’s culture? 9.	What do you think are the most difficult aspects of the job I’m interviewing for? 10.	Based on the interview, do you have any concerns about my ability to perform the job that would prevent you from selecting me? 11.	What is the next step in the process? 12.	When do you think you will be making a decision?

The Unspoken Interview Questions

There are things that the interviewer will see that they may want clarity for, but cannot ask for. These may include access to your social networking accounts, to know how many kids you have, how old they are, to know why you are wearing a cross, or whether your limp is permanent. Take a good look at yourself before going to a job interview. The interviewer will see anything in your dress or behavior as sending an intentional message.

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