Preparing for a job interview includes more than collecting documents and writing a resume. For the interview with the employer to be successful, the candidate should think about how the conversation will be structured, as well as prepare their questions for the HR officer.
Interview - checking your willingness to cooperate
An interview with a candidate usually includes a study of the documents submitted by him and a subsequent dialogue aimed at finding out how the applicant fits the position for which he is applying. The employer, by asking questions, tries to determine what personal and business qualities the candidate possesses, to what extent his knowledge, skills and abilities correspond to the requirements for the position.
No less important is the final part of the interview, during which the employer, as a rule, gives the applicant the opportunity to ask questions of interest. In this way, HR personnel can find out some additional details about the candidate's personality: his motivation, level of aspirations, the ability to clearly formulate his thoughts, the level of conflict, and so on.
After reaching this part of the interview, try to create a good impression of yourself with the interviewer, demonstrate interest in the company and future activities.
The employer will be more sympathetic to a candidate who is actively interested in the field in which he will work, and not just intends to take the first vacancy that comes across.
What questions should you ask an employer
When at the end of the main part of the interview, you are asked to ask questions that interest you, show interest in future cooperation. Find out in more detail what your job responsibilities and skills requirements are. It is important for you to understand exactly what business or production tasks the management will set for you. This will allow you to avoid hassle and conflict situations when, after starting work, it suddenly turns out that your level of training does not correspond to the position.
Find out if the company has professional and career prospects. Take an interest in the current position of the company on the market. Does the company plan to expand its activities and open new representative offices? What is the management guided by when nominating employees for promotion? Perhaps, for career growth, you will need to pass certification or gain a certain length of service. Make it clear to the employer that you are ready to connect your life with the company you like for a long time.
Ask a question about working conditions. This will allow you to better imagine what is the internal routine and work schedule at the enterprise. If that matters to you, ask if your position will include weekend and out-of-town work.
Very often, the need to leave on long business trips brings conflicts to the family and disrupts the usual rhythm of life.
Be careful when asking a question about wages. It is best to wait for the employer to tell you about it. If during the interview this point was not covered, ask what salary you can count on. Be prepared for the employer to ask you what your expectations are in this regard.
Prepare in advance by finding out what is the salary level for this position in your area. Usually this indicator has a lower and upper bounds. Try to chart a level for yourself that is slightly higher than what you really expect.
Refrain from asking questions at the very beginning of the interview, as during the conversation you will surely be able to clarify most of the points that interest you. As a rule, the employee of the company conducting the interview builds the conversation so that all the main questions regarding the subject of the interview are covered in full.
