I've moved my blog to WP: idefiningi.wordpress.com
August 7, 2012
interview (n.)
As a recent grad freelancing + working part-time in web marketing and communications, I've been on a mini hunt to round out my work hours as summer rolls around (and my supplementary income from TAing comes to a close).
I've gone to some interviews, and I must say, the last couple I had really got me thinking about what an interview is really all about. It is what is says it is: an inter-view; a chance for two parties to view one another; it's a two-way observation.
(Rather skip my introductory blabber? Then just read 8 Ways To Interview a Potential Employer)
The last two positions I interviewed for couldn't be more different from one another. While the job titles are almost identical, they're worlds apart in terms of the industries. This made it undeniably obvious to me how important it is to go in for an interview with the intention to not only provide the best of yourself to the interviewer, but to also try to evaluate how suited the role, managers, and work environment is to you. It's not just about whether you can do the job, nor whether you can do it well. It's also about whether you foresee yourself being able to do it well over a longer period of time, consistently, and with an enduring passion and excitement.
While the current job market is a tough one - though I've seen signs of slight improvement - I also don't think I'm ready to drop all judgment as I seek out my next career move. I think it's wasteful for everyone involved to be saying yes to a position they know they probably won't be able to wait to get out of. It wouldn't be fair to myself or the employer, who also put a lot of time and energy in choosing me for the job.
One interview I had, I sensed within 20 minutes that the job wasn't for me - nor was I right for it. While the interview went well on all accounts, I just knew I wouldn't be able to be passionate about selling what the employer had in mind (it's totally PG! I just don't want to hint at any industry or company in particular).
Another recent interview I had, however, was a pleasure. It felt like such a great match, with my academic background and all, that even though, in some terms, I felt that the interview didn't go as smoothly as the other, I got a call for a second interview - the next day. So much of hiring is about character, personality, and first impressions - and that goes for both parties involved.
In light of this, I've summed up a few things that you should be thinking about when evaluating a potential new position or job opportunity (in no particular order!)
How to Interview Your Potential Employer - the 8 "Cs"
1. The call. What was the process of setting up your interview(s) and how smoothly did it go? The communication channels and process before the interview and surrounding it may be indicative of how communication will go once you start working there. Does the potential employer take days (or weeks) to phone you back? Do they keep you in the loop? Do they prefer email correspondence or do you keep playing endless phone tag? How available is the HR personnel?
2. The commute. Assuming the location of your interview is the same place you'll be working, think about what it would be like to make that same journey ten times a week. While this sure isn't the most important thing, a good job is a sum of parts, one of which are intrinsic rewards like the nature of the commute. You don't want to arrive to work frazzled, anxious, and annoyed because you live two bridges away that get backed up at rush hour and leave you departing for work 2 hours before it even starts. It may be a great job, but if you're someone who believes in the work-life balance, having to sit through hell each morning to get to work will soon turn cloud nine into cloud zero.
3. The couture. How are people dressed? Not only will this tell you about the level of professionalism that will be expected of you (and don't mistake professionalism for importance, significance, sophistication, or correctness, either); it will also tell you a lot about people's personalities. Not to sound too judge-y, but there are many ways to dress for all different dress codes - and all of them could point to symptoms of potentially bad office morale (greasy hair? ripped stockings? clean and tidy navies and whites? unofficial - but mandatory - heels? cleavage galore? You be the judge.)
4. The culture. This one's easier to pick up on than to explain. What kind of vocabulary is being thrown around the office? (This includes the diction of the company mandate.) What's people's demeanour like? How's the lunchroom? (Do people use it? Where is it?) Are the people well-groomed? Is the office tidy? (This may also tell you a lot about morale; it doesn't take just money for a place to feel and look good - it takes care). Employee benefits, vacation days, scheduling, and all that other jazz also fits into this one, too. (And know, it doesn't always matter what is offered, but also how it's administered. The same things can be administered in disheartening as well as in considerate and respectful ways; it all depends on how the employer-employee relationship is viewed and nurtured by everyone.)
5. Its cred online. In this day and age, companies can have as much of a public persona online as individuals. And while not all social profiles speak the truth, for the most part, a company's web presence will say something of significance - about things like its size, style, approach to business (and the world), mandate, and (social) affluence. Who's on the 'contact us' page? How active is it in social media channels (and does it matter)? Does the site look dated? Disorganized? What's on the blog, if there is one?
6. Candidness. Is the interviewer vague? Is it hard to tell what the position is all about? Some of the interview should be dedicated to giving you a chance to see what you're signing yourself up for, too. Sharing important information with you is necessary for the interviewers to make a complete assessment of your abilities, strengths, and weaknesses. This includes letting you meet the right people. Do you get a chance to meet with your direct supervisor? The rest of the team? How about the "big boss"? This aspect of the process may indicate whom you'll have access to or which information you'll be privy to when you do start working, which may also tell you how independent (or in its negation, isolated) you'll feel.
7. Collaboration. This one stems from #6, but if it's not made evident during the interview process in one way or another, don't be afraid to ask. I know that I enjoy working with others, being in contact with people throughout the day, and find that regular team meetings and shared goals make me enjoy my job more. I like knowing what's going on and where I fit in, even as I work independently. Don't be afraid to ask more specific questions about how the day-to-day tasks and reporting works.
8. The connection. This last one is just something that happens - or doesn't. Listen to your gut, and just feel the situation out. Don't mistake your nervousness for lack of a connection - but do recognize true discomfort (and comfort!) when it's there.
I've gone to some interviews, and I must say, the last couple I had really got me thinking about what an interview is really all about. It is what is says it is: an inter-view; a chance for two parties to view one another; it's a two-way observation.
(Rather skip my introductory blabber? Then just read 8 Ways To Interview a Potential Employer)
Often times, I think people get anxious for interviews because they frame them in their mind as an interrogation, a test, an examination of their expertise (or a discovery of a lack thereof). But it's not as simple as that.
The last two positions I interviewed for couldn't be more different from one another. While the job titles are almost identical, they're worlds apart in terms of the industries. This made it undeniably obvious to me how important it is to go in for an interview with the intention to not only provide the best of yourself to the interviewer, but to also try to evaluate how suited the role, managers, and work environment is to you. It's not just about whether you can do the job, nor whether you can do it well. It's also about whether you foresee yourself being able to do it well over a longer period of time, consistently, and with an enduring passion and excitement.
While the current job market is a tough one - though I've seen signs of slight improvement - I also don't think I'm ready to drop all judgment as I seek out my next career move. I think it's wasteful for everyone involved to be saying yes to a position they know they probably won't be able to wait to get out of. It wouldn't be fair to myself or the employer, who also put a lot of time and energy in choosing me for the job.
One interview I had, I sensed within 20 minutes that the job wasn't for me - nor was I right for it. While the interview went well on all accounts, I just knew I wouldn't be able to be passionate about selling what the employer had in mind (it's totally PG! I just don't want to hint at any industry or company in particular).
Another recent interview I had, however, was a pleasure. It felt like such a great match, with my academic background and all, that even though, in some terms, I felt that the interview didn't go as smoothly as the other, I got a call for a second interview - the next day. So much of hiring is about character, personality, and first impressions - and that goes for both parties involved.
In light of this, I've summed up a few things that you should be thinking about when evaluating a potential new position or job opportunity (in no particular order!)
How to Interview Your Potential Employer - the 8 "Cs"
1. The call. What was the process of setting up your interview(s) and how smoothly did it go? The communication channels and process before the interview and surrounding it may be indicative of how communication will go once you start working there. Does the potential employer take days (or weeks) to phone you back? Do they keep you in the loop? Do they prefer email correspondence or do you keep playing endless phone tag? How available is the HR personnel?
2. The commute. Assuming the location of your interview is the same place you'll be working, think about what it would be like to make that same journey ten times a week. While this sure isn't the most important thing, a good job is a sum of parts, one of which are intrinsic rewards like the nature of the commute. You don't want to arrive to work frazzled, anxious, and annoyed because you live two bridges away that get backed up at rush hour and leave you departing for work 2 hours before it even starts. It may be a great job, but if you're someone who believes in the work-life balance, having to sit through hell each morning to get to work will soon turn cloud nine into cloud zero.
3. The couture. How are people dressed? Not only will this tell you about the level of professionalism that will be expected of you (and don't mistake professionalism for importance, significance, sophistication, or correctness, either); it will also tell you a lot about people's personalities. Not to sound too judge-y, but there are many ways to dress for all different dress codes - and all of them could point to symptoms of potentially bad office morale (greasy hair? ripped stockings? clean and tidy navies and whites? unofficial - but mandatory - heels? cleavage galore? You be the judge.)
4. The culture. This one's easier to pick up on than to explain. What kind of vocabulary is being thrown around the office? (This includes the diction of the company mandate.) What's people's demeanour like? How's the lunchroom? (Do people use it? Where is it?) Are the people well-groomed? Is the office tidy? (This may also tell you a lot about morale; it doesn't take just money for a place to feel and look good - it takes care). Employee benefits, vacation days, scheduling, and all that other jazz also fits into this one, too. (And know, it doesn't always matter what is offered, but also how it's administered. The same things can be administered in disheartening as well as in considerate and respectful ways; it all depends on how the employer-employee relationship is viewed and nurtured by everyone.)
5. Its cred online. In this day and age, companies can have as much of a public persona online as individuals. And while not all social profiles speak the truth, for the most part, a company's web presence will say something of significance - about things like its size, style, approach to business (and the world), mandate, and (social) affluence. Who's on the 'contact us' page? How active is it in social media channels (and does it matter)? Does the site look dated? Disorganized? What's on the blog, if there is one?
6. Candidness. Is the interviewer vague? Is it hard to tell what the position is all about? Some of the interview should be dedicated to giving you a chance to see what you're signing yourself up for, too. Sharing important information with you is necessary for the interviewers to make a complete assessment of your abilities, strengths, and weaknesses. This includes letting you meet the right people. Do you get a chance to meet with your direct supervisor? The rest of the team? How about the "big boss"? This aspect of the process may indicate whom you'll have access to or which information you'll be privy to when you do start working, which may also tell you how independent (or in its negation, isolated) you'll feel.
7. Collaboration. This one stems from #6, but if it's not made evident during the interview process in one way or another, don't be afraid to ask. I know that I enjoy working with others, being in contact with people throughout the day, and find that regular team meetings and shared goals make me enjoy my job more. I like knowing what's going on and where I fit in, even as I work independently. Don't be afraid to ask more specific questions about how the day-to-day tasks and reporting works.
8. The connection. This last one is just something that happens - or doesn't. Listen to your gut, and just feel the situation out. Don't mistake your nervousness for lack of a connection - but do recognize true discomfort (and comfort!) when it's there.
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