When you’re looking for a job and during the interview process, it’s easy to get caught up in what the interviewer perceives and thinks of you. We get lost in trying to make an excellent first impression and have answers to all of the questions, that we forget that the interview process is a two-way street. It’s important that they like you as much as it is that you like them.
There are a lot of things that come to play when looking and choosing a new professional journey. Salary, location and perks are some of the most important factors but lately, there are new players to add to the mix. The overall mission of the company, the team and even the figure of the boss can be what drives a professional to one company or another one.
We spend a great deal of our day at work, which is why it’s essential to not only do a job you enjoy but do it where you feel comfortable, appreciated and understood.
Finding the right company match is not an easy task, but it’s not an impossible mission either. We have drafted a list of 4 tips to help you through your next interview process and give you a hand in determining if the job and company are the right fit for you and your professional journey.
Read the job description carefully
It’s normally the first step of the journey. Either if you apply through the company’s website or a job ad on platforms like Linkedin, Indeed or any other job portal, there’s always going to be a job description.
Next time you are faced with a job description, don’t just stick to the facts, requirements and would be good to have. Pay close attention to how the text is written; the most thoughtful employers use this space to share aspects of the company culture, professional growth opportunities within the company and perks and benefits. A company that puts thought and attention to writing a good job description is a company that values its employees.
Make sure to read the text carefully and ask yourself if what you are reading aligns with who you are and what you want for your career.
Go further from the job description
Job descriptions might be the first contact we have with a company but it doesn’t have to be only one before we apply. Job descriptions are carefully written to attract professionals into applying, and most do the job well.
Before hitting the apply button we recommend to dig a little deeper and check out, not only the company’s website but also their social media. On the website, you’ll be able to learn more about the company, its goals and its mission. Whereas social media will give you insights into how they present themselves and communicate with their followers, and especially their clients. With all this new information you’ll be able to craft a more solid opinion on the brand and decide to apply, or not.
For an even more thorough research, you can also consult pages like Glassdoor and Payscale for salary information, former employee reviews and other valuable details and facts that can help you shape your final opinion on the brand.
Make good use of the interview process
Alright, you have applied, now (hopefully) the interview process begins . Recruitment processes are quite long and generally allow applicants to not only talk to HR, but also with the potential new boss and, sometimes, even members of the team. While you might want to make an excellent first impression with HR, when it comes to meeting your potential new boss and team it’s essential, to not only make yourself look good and ready for the open opportunity but also get to know them on a deeper level. See how they act and the synergy between them. Do you see yourself working with this group of people every day?
Meeting the team beforehand is not always possible, therefore, if it’s not an option for you, we recommend asking about the team in the interview. It’s generally a question that HR professionals don’t quite expect and get good-surprised by it. You can ask about the size, work location (in case there are remote positions) and even how diverse and multicultural it is.
The test is also a two-way street
If it all goes well after the first interview, chances are that you’ll be asked to complete a test around a topic related to your professional abilities and the job you applied for. This project or study helps employers test the candidates that could be a good fit for their company, professionally and personally.
First and foremost, make sure that the project that is presented to you is related to what you applied for and that you have enough time to work on it and submit it. Once you have delivered it, observe how the feedback process goes (or if there is one!). If you have to make a presentation in front of some of your potential new colleagues and boss or bosses, identify who is actually interested, who asks the questions and who gives constructive criticism on your work. In the case that you get a written response, is the feedback clear and constructive, or is it unclear?
Imagine yourself already working there and getting to experience the situation regularly. Is it something you’d want to repeat or one time was enough?
There are a lot of things that come to play during a recruitment process; some of them happen even before hitting the apply button!
There are a million ways an interview process can go, and there’s no right or wrong, just different ways of facing and going through it. We hope these few tips come in handy the next time you decide to embark on a new professional journey. If you’re looking for a new professional experience, I invite you to check out Landing.Jobs’ job board where you will find location-based and remote openings in various European cities.
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