How to Evaluate a Company During an Interview

Rate: (0 Ratings)

An interview means being examined, evaluated and judged. You are under the microscope and your job is to make them want to hire you. But if the interview process is really effective, something else will be going on too. While you are being interviewed, you will be observing and evaluating the company you are considering working for. After all, if the interview is successful, you’ll be giving them your skill, your creativity and lots of your time. Shouldn’t you be sure they are the best candidate for that important relationship?

Flag Article

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Step1

Pay attention to the details leading up to your interview. Was the job posting clear and informative? Did you receive an acknowledgment to your resume submission? When they scheduled your interview did they make an effort to accommodate your schedule? Were their instructions clear and complete? The way the company handles this process is often a good indicator of how they handle all their projects. Are you comfortable with their performance so far?

Step2

Observe the pre-interview process. You know that being late to an interview will cost you points in your evaluation. But how does the company rate in this area? Are they on time? Is it clear that they have prepared for the interview process in advance? Do they know you by name? Is their appearance appropriate for the job in question? This is their process; whether you feel it’s smooth and professional or a disorganized scramble, you can expect to see more of the same if you work for them.

Step3

Concentrate on the interaction between you and the team during the interview itself, but stay aware of the process as it unfolds. Is the group focused on the job at hand? Are they really listening to the answers you give? If there is a steady stream of interruptions during this brief but important conversation with you, you may always have to fight for meaningful collaboration after you’re hired.

Step4

Think about the questions you are asked during the interview. Are they what you expected? Do they seem well thought out and relevant to the position? Are they predictable or surprising? Do they refer specifically to the job in question or are they more personal in nature? If a company wants to know what your spouse does for a living or where you vacationed last year you can expect interest in your personal life to be part of the corporate culture if you join the company.

Step5

Come to the interview prepared to ask questions of the team when your input to the process is finished. Watch for the response to this initiative on your part. Is it welcome? Are their answers forthcoming or designed to respond to you without offering many details? Do they know the answers to your questions? If not, is there an offer to get back to you later with the answers you are seeking? This part of an interview can be very revealing. If a company welcomes your questions during this get acquainted session your new employers may also be eager to hear your ideas and concerns once you are part of the team. If not, the corporate culture you are entering may be one of secrecy and closed doors.

Step6

Pay attention to the post interview interaction with your prospective employer. How long does it take to hear back from them about the outcome of your interview? Does it take a phone call from you to get that information? If you get a letter that starts, “Thank you for applying …” all of your observations may seem to you to be irrelevant. Not necessarily so-everything you examined during the process will help you with the next interview you have. When you do land that perfect job you can feel confident that you have not just been selected, you have also made your own choice!