Landing an interview after a long time of looking for a job is definitely a win, but you should not let your excitement on the hiring process cloud your judgement! You should definitely know whether the company you're eyeing will be a perfect fit for you and your needs. Here are some things you need to look out for on your first interview.
1. The interview and the hiring process should not be rushed
You got offered the job on the spot? Congratulations! But take a step back and evaluate before you accept the position. Although it might certainly mean that out of all the candidates they interviewed, you were the perfect fit for the job, it could also mean they’re looking to fill the position as quickly as possible and you might end up in a job you’re not suited for. A great company will keep the hiring process professional no matter how much they need to fill a certain position.
Remember, a job interview should be all about your potential employer getting to know you and vice-versa. A 20-minute conversation and a once-over of your resume clearly isn’t enough time.
2. Look at how they organize your interview
You should be informed ahead of the amount of time the interview will take out of your day and, ideally, your interview should start on time. The way your interview is arranged and executed will tell a lot about the level of professionalism that exists within the company.
3. They should be clear about your job description, salary, and benefits
If your interviewer doesn’t provide you with a clear job description, this may mean that your tasks and responsibilities are not clearly defined, and this might make it a challenge for you to focus on your goals. You might end up getting surprised with more tasks and compromised with work—work that you should be getting a higher salary for. If this is the case, you should prepare to be flexible once you're hired. The interviewer should also be open to discussing the salary and benefits you should get.
4. Your interviewer should be respectful towards you
The interviewer should take time to read your resume before meeting with you and should focus on you and appear genuinely interested in getting to know you during the actual interview. They should remain professional in their questions, and should not be insulting or offensive in their inquiries.
5. People working for the company should look like they're happy to be there
While waiting for your scheduled interview, grab the chance to observe the ambiance in the office. Is the receptionist pleasant and willing to assist you? Do the employees look happy and relaxed? Do they interact with one another? Or are they all mum and glued to their screens, eagerly waiting for that clock to strike on the 9th hour? More often than not, what you see is what you get.
6. The interviewer should be at his/her best when meeting you
Interviewers are supposed to be their very best self during a job interview; they’re representing the company after all. They should appear pleasant and cheerful in getting to know you in the interview process. Needless to say, the application process is a two-way street!
Ultimately the decision is entirely up to you. Keep your spidey-senses tingling during that initial interview and remember to trust your gut feeling. If you’re still unsure about accepting a job offer or you’re simply looking for helpful tips for your career, you can visit online resource websites like Entrego and read up on useful tips!
Entrego is a technology driven business solutions provider for the fulfillment and logistics needs of enterprises. Entrego's courier and express parcel management is operated by Entrego Express Corporation. Entrego Express Corporation is an affiliate of Entrego Fulfillment Solutions Inc.