What You Can Learn About an Employer from the Interview

A job interview is primarily considered an opportunity for an employer to assess a potential job candidate. From another angle, it is also a great way for an applicant to learn important information about a potential employer. Just as your comportment in an interview tells the potential employer a great deal about you, the employer’s behavior also reveals crucial information to consider when weighing job options.

When attending a job interview, keep your eyes and ears open. You are gaining exposure to what could become your new workplace and meeting potential new colleagues.

Your first point of contact is likely to be a gatekeeper, such as a human resources manager or a receptionist. That person’s overall demeanor is a good indicator of the company’s corporate culture. Gatekeepers should always be pleasant and welcoming. If he seems inattentive or disorganized, that could be interpreted in several ways. It could be a sign of general disorganization within the company, or it could point to an excessive workload or an understaffed workplace.

Look around when you arrive for a job interview and get a feel for the surroundings. Is it a place where you would be happy and comfortable working? Do other employees seem friendly? Is the atmosphere formal or easy-going? Does the environment seem collaborative? Are the employees trapped in cramped cubicles or is the floor plan open? Is it quiet or chaotic? These are all important things to consider.

During the job interview, do not be afraid to ask questions of the interviewer. Asking questions does not come across as aggressive, but shows the interviewer that you are an experienced and conscientious employee who cares about the potentially life-changing decision they may be asked to make.

The questions you pose to the interviewer can reveal a great deal about the employer overall. Ask the interviewer how long he has been with the company and probe a bit for details if they are not readily supplied. During the job interview, you can also ask about company-wide retention rates. This is a good way to gauge the corporate culture. If retention is good, then it is likely employees are happy. Employees are generally satisfied when they are well-compensated and comfortable within the social culture. If retention is not good, the opposite is likely to be true.

Ask about the company’s vision for the future and the growth potential for the position for which you are interviewing. This can give you an idea about whether the company is or will be expanding.

A savvy job candidate can gain a great deal of information about a potential employer during an interview. In an ideal world, you would never settle for a job that is less than perfect, and the best way to make that a reality is to be as well-informed as possible. Before you even consider an employment offer, use the job interview to assess whether the employer is a good fit for you.

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