Here is a set of questions to ask yourself and keep in mind during the
course of an interview. The answers will help you gauge if there is a
real match between you and the job in question:
1. Does the role align with my strengths? Be brutally honest with
yourself. The question is not, "Does an opportunity exist?" The
question should be, "Is this the right opportunity for you?" Many
very capable and highly employable individuals take (and stick) with
a role that doesn't speak to their strengths. This often leads to
frustration, disengagement and eventually, a painful career lesson.
2. How will I be spending my day? Try to obtain a relatively clear
picture of your future work life - in this job - at this specific
organization. Be sure to explore key work-life components such co-
workers, teaming, how you will be supervised, representative
assignments, work from home options and travel. Bottom line: More
information equals a better decision.
3. Does the role have a future? Room for a measure of career
growth is an integral component of any job. Where will this role lead
you career-wise? Will there be opportunities for stretch assignments,
creativity or significant challenge? Be alert: Boredom can negatively
affect a career.
4. Am I like the other individuals that have succeeded? I'm not
sure we would say that an organization has a specific "type" or
"profile" of employee who excels. However, every organization (and
its employees) reflect a certain culture or "zeitgeist," which must
match you and your orientation toward work. Would you feel
comfortable working there? Explore any doubts.
5. What challenges is the organization facing? Let's face it - context
is everything when you consider joining an organization.
Organizations go through growth cycles, and periods of stagnation or
challenge. There are certainly both good and bad chapters. Is it the
right time for you to be there? Only you can decide.
6. What metrics will be utilized to measure my performance? At
some point in time your performance will be evaluated. Discerning
the components of performance that are important to an
organization is vital. Valued metrics can reveal a lot about an
organization. What are they really looking for? Ask?
7. Where do I stand? Many candidates reflect that one of the most
stressful things about interviewing is the ambiguity that comes along
with the territory. This occurs because we often leave an interview
with little (or no) information concerning our chances of landing the
job. Ultimately, it is up to us to broach the topic and inquire. One sure
way to gather some information is to ask the following: I would love
to work at your organization. Do you feel there is a fit? If the
response is vague - rather than filled with specifics about match and
the timing of next steps - your future with the organization may not
be a go.
By Dr. Marla Gottschalk i
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