How to get more out of a Job Interview

Any job interview, regardless of the company or your current position, is sure to bring some level of stress to your life. After all, you wouldn’t be interviewing if you didn’t want to secure the position.

Some people go into a job interview with the thought that the other party is going to do all of the work. They are going to ask the questions, write down the answers, and take notes on everything that is happening.

Did you know that there are steps you can take to get more out of a job interview? Here are four ideas to consider:

1. Ask questions of your own. While you are going to spend most the interview answering questions and explaining why you are the right person for the job, it is worth noting that you will have time to ask your own questions as well.

Don’t pass up the chance to ask anything that is on your mind. This is a great way to learn more about the company and to determine if the position is a good fit.

2. Dig for an idea of when a decision will be made. Can you think of anything worse than sitting around, wondering when or if you are going to hear back from the hiring company? Rather than let this become a problem, do your best to determine when the company is going to make a hiring decision. If you ask, most are willing to provide this information.

3. Know who to follow-up with. If you don’t hear back or need to provide additional information for any reason, you want to know who you can follow-up with. This may or may not be the person you interview with, so be sure to ask.

4. Take notes. While there is nothing wrong with having a formal conversation in which both parties engage, you need to take notes along the way as well. Not only does this show initiative, but it also proves to the hiring party that you are truly interested in the position.

Tip: be sure to let the interviewer know that you are taking notes. This way you don’t come across as rude and disinterested when you continue to write while the person talks.

A job interview can be more than a job interview when you let the four ideas above guide you.