Open The Gates To Becoming a Stronger Interviewer Or Interviewee By Using These Simple Tips

Every business has their own, unique approach to their hiring process that potential employees must embrace in order to be seen as a good fit. Depending on the business’s mission, vision, and culture, a specific personality or set of skills will come as an advantage. With that being said, there are certain procedures both interviewers and interviewees must account for when filling a role for any and all businesses.

It may come as a surprise, but the interviewer and interviewee have more of a similar role than you may think. Just like working in a group project, it is equally each person’s responsibility to work together to get the task done and done right.

Better Business Bureau Serving Eastern MA, ME, RI, & VT (BBB) offers tips for both interviewers and interviewees for their next meeting in the hot seat. Learn how both roles work together in an interview, what the other is looking for and noticing, and how to make sure you’re making the right choice.

What to ask:

The pressure for asking questions tends to fall on the interviewer’s shoulders, which is often a mistake. Both parties should come prepared with about five questions to ask and answers to be prepared to give. For those who have been on the side of the interviewer, it’s a little off-putting when the person you are interviewing doesn’t have any questions about the business or the position they are applying for when asked.

Some beneficial questions to ask if you are in the position of being interviewed are:

1. Why is this position open?
2. How can I be successful in this role?
3. Could you walk me through what a typical day would like in this position?
4. What is your favorite aspect of working for this business?
5. Where do you see this business in five years?

Questions to avoid:

1. How much will I be paid?
2. How much paid time off will I receive?
3. Do employees get discounts?

As the interviewer, you’ll want to ask questions pertaining to the role you are hoping to fill along with a few more personal questions to get to know the interviewer a little better. There’s a lot you can learn about a person’s work ethic and commitment to their job in a question directed at their personality.

Some beneficial questions to ask if you are in the position of interviewing are:

1. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
2. Why are you interested in this position?
3. Why are you looking for a new job?
4. Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
5. What do you know about our business?

How to act:

Making a great first impression is important for both the interviewer and the interviewee. Be sure to show up early, or at the very least, on time and be dressed appropriately. Good grooming shows the interviewer that you’re professional and are serious about the position.

How the interviewer presents his or herself can be seen as a window into how the business presents itself. If you are the interviewer, it is your responsibility to convey that you and your workspace are clean and professional.

Confidence is something you'll want to bring to the table, no matter which role you are in. Watch out for your posture and always offer a firm handshake, an interest in the other person, and confidence in yourself. If this doesn’t come naturally to you, pretend you’re Beyonce in that moment.

Show a positive attitude and interest in the position and the business. As an interviewee, even if you are not as experienced as you would like to be in the position that you are applying for, showing that you would be eager to learn more gives you a leg up. As the interviewer, showing that you enjoy your job and genuinely believe in the growth and mission of your business automatically makes the position more desirable.

What to look for:

Before you go into the interview, know what you want - this goes for both the interviewer and the interviewee. If you are hiring for a specific role, make a checklist of all the qualifications that absolutely need to be filled by an applicant that you are thinking of hiring. This could range from skills or certifications to personality or experience level. Also make a list of qualifications, or lack thereof, that you are willing to let slide if you find an applicant that you feel really good about.

Another challenge for interviewers is finding someone you get along with, but may not be the best fit for the position. Remind yourself that you are not interviewing for a new friend, but interviewing for someone who can get the job done.

If you have been interviewing for a while and are starting to feel desperate for a job, it can be difficult to turn down the first offer that comes your way. This is a big deal and it’s going to take some time; looking for a full-time job often feels like a full-time job. Remember that whatever job you choose, you’ll be dedicating on average 40 hours a week of your time to this business and you’ll probably be spending more time with the people you work with than your family and friends.

Look for a job that you feel will challenge you and interest you, not just one that will pay the bills. Ask if there is room to grow in the business if you are looking for a long-term position so that you’ll have something to work towards as you learn. Choose wisely and work hard.

For more tips you can trust, visit us at bbb.org/boston or like us on Facebook.