What Interviewees Should Look For In Interviews

Job interviews have always been nerve racking for both the interviewee and the interviewer. While interviews have a different set of characteristics they should look for in an interviewee, the applicants must also be aware of the type of job and the people with whom they have to work. But when you’re in the process of printing out résumés, rehearsing answers and making sure your interview outfit is culturally correct, people tend to forget to observe the company and the interviewer. It is crucial to remember that an interview goes both ways.

Even if you are desperate for work you should not take up just any job or a job that’s not right for you. But how do you make sure that the company is the right fit for you? Look out for these red flags during the interview and hiring process.

1. Preparedness
The first character you can observe about the company and the people is how proactive they are. Has the Human Resources team or the interviewer gone through your resume before the interview or are they just looking at it now? It shows the dedication of the team towards the company and sets the bar for what can be expected of you. Any interviewer who has prepared for the interview will have a couple of questions ready to ask you during the meeting. It shows they are interested in learning who they will be hiring and it if will be a mutually beneficial relationship. They should also be able to answer your questions regarding the company and provide the details you require to make an informed decision.

2. Behaviour of the Interviewer
Mostly, during the interview phase, you get to meet your immediate boss, the HR team and the manager of the department you might join. Pay attention to the behavior of these people to get a sense of the kind of people you will be expected to work with in the future. Observe and notice whether they say negative comments about the previous employees or if they are rude and disrespectful. Also, observe if they are late for the interview, seem distracted during the meeting or don’t pay enough attention during the interview. Consider walking away from the company if the interviewer is rude or negative as negativity is often a sign that the company isn’t an upbeat and enjoyable place to work.

3. Online Reviews
Homework is important in everything you do! Search online for reviews on the company, the heads of the departments, the team leads and the people. Find out about the company’s reputation from people, directly and indirectly, involved with them. Sometimes the negative, aggressive and at times antagonistic work culture gets hidden behind a good package and senior role. Websites such as the Glassdoor offer a platform for employees to anonymously review companies. If one company has similar complaints and reasons from former employees for quitting their jobs, it tends to portray the company culture. But as the reviews are anonymous it is always better to maintain a degree of skepticism about its truth.

4. Personal Questions are part of the interview
Asking any form of personal questions about your family, marital status, future family plans are not OK in an interview. Interviewers are not legally allowed to ask questions about the personal life of the candidates. It is possible for the information to come up accidentally or during casual conversation but planned questions regarding the personal life are not required for any job interview. Personal questions will not help the interviewer determine how well you work in any way.

5. Bossy unrelenting team leads
During an interview, a lot more can be negotiated along with the salary. The negotiation tactics of your immediate boss will reveal a lot about the person themselves. Observe whether the manager or team lead is relentless or lenient or hard working and a team player by observing how much they are ready to negotiate with the smaller aspects of your job role. It is important to have a leader who leads from the front and not a boss who gives orders.

Before accepting any proposal or making a final decision, take a minute to think of what you want from the company. Evaluate your goals against the opportunities the company presents and its work atmosphere. The pay package should never be the only reason to accept or decline a job. Sometimes experiences are more valuable than money.