Only Half the Story

Your job interview is really a two-way street

When considering the interview process, there is one additional concept of the job interview that needs to be kept at the top of your mind. Most people look at the job interview solely as the potential employer analyzing the candidate to determine how suitable that individual would be to successfully handle the job’s requirements and how that individual would fit into the company and contribute to its success. Truth is, that’s only half the story.

When you participate in a job interview, it’s critically important to keep in mind that you’re interviewing them as much as they’re interviewing you. Just as they’re trying to determine if you would be a good fit for the company, you are also trying to determine if the company is suitable for you. Is this the type of workplace where you would feel comfortable, and be successful?

Both perspectives are equally important

No matter how badly a company may want to hire you, you are doing yourself (and your family) a disservice if you take the position while having misgivings about the organization. As an experienced job seeker, how much extra would they have to compensate you (financially or otherwise) to make it worthwhile to accept a job with a company that’s not right for you?

Worse still, if you take a job with a company that’s not a good fit for you, how long will it be before you’re looking to move on? If you’re unhappy in that circumstance, your performance will suffer. So much so that you might actually be asked to leave the company. Then you’ll be without a job and without an income; and now with a blot on your professional track record.

It’s without a doubt a lose-lose proposition. The only question that remains is who is the bigger loser.

More tips.