How to interview your next employer
In most interviews, you will be given a chance to ask the panel any questions you may have. I briefly touched on this in my interviews cheat sheet, with a promise to follow up in detail.
In the years I have been on interview panels, I have noticed that most interviewees squander this very important opportunity, to interview their potential employer.
If you believe that you have something great to offer an organization, you want to make sure that the organization is truly deserving of your greatness, and that they have an environment that would be conducive to your performing at your best. While many people will tell you not to be picky when choosing employers (especially your first employer), employment is a real commitment. Once you have signed that contract, you are locked in for a period, because you do not want to have a suspect CV – with too many job changes.
So how do you interview potential employers?
Research is priceless
The most disappointing and time wasting part when I’m in a panel is when I ask the interviewee what they know about our company, and they give me a rehearsed one sentence response, the first sentence of “Our Story”, on our company website. Whenever this happens, I will probe, “do you know anything else about us?”. Often, not much follows. This to me says that the person is on “job hunt” mode, does not care for the particular job,any employer will do.
When preparing for an interview, err on the side of over researching. Yes, go through the company’s site, look at their social media accounts, do media searches and read articles which mention the company, check out their competitors and take notes. Depending on the position, you may even set up a meeting with a staff member within the company in advance, to discuss your observations and get more information about what they do – sales people are great targets for this.
I remember an interview I had about a few years ago with a top consulting firm in Kenya, and while I was waiting for my turn, I chanced upon an article in the newspaper where the firm was involved in some agricultural research (serendipity). When it was my turn to ask them questions, I brought this up, and for the next 25 minutes, we had a lively discussion with the panel, about farming! At the end of the interview, one partner who also farms gave me his card, and needless to say, I got a job offer. I had the requisite qualifications, and so did all the other interviewees, and therefore would place a bet on that 25 minute warm discussion, as what won me the job. I did not take it though, I returned to my first employer, a story for another day.
So read up.
Let your idea of a great work place shape your questions
Do not ask about pay or benefits at the first interview. This is akin to asking someone what they want to name the kids you will both have when you get married, on the first date. 😀 There will be ample time during negotiations, to ask about the monetary and non monetary benefits.
Ask as many questions as you can about the company’s work culture and organization structure. What is the company’s reporting structure? What do you usually aim to achieve through your people? Who does my position report to, and who does my senior report to? What is your company culture? If I spoke to the person who cleans and makes tea in the office, what would he/she say about your organization? Who is the company’s MVP (most valued player), and why?
Ask about their positioning relative to competitors. If you have any questions about their products, ask.
If the company has made news recently, bring the panel’s attention to that, and ask if they’re facing any challenges / opportunities as a result of the event.
Ask about the direction the company is headed towards, and how your role fits into that.
Finally, and a winner, ask what your first assignment will be once you get the job!
A few tips to close…
- Asking questions should never be about you trying to display your knowledge and expertise, but about gaining knowledge that will help you make up your mind on whether to work in the organization.
- Ask about areas where you have genuine interest.
- Do not get into contests and arguments with the panels, where you do not agree with the answers given; there will be ample time to challenge the company’s thinking once you are in. Unless you are asked to react to an answer you have been given.
- Thank the panel for responding to you. Being polite goes a long way.
Good luck!
