Turning the Tables

Your turn to run the interview

The interview. It’s an essential part of the job search. It can be at once frightening, exhilarating, intense and any one of any number of other adjectives – good and bad – that you can conjure up.

Most job seekers dread the interview. That’s understandable. Wouldn’t it be great if you could turn the tables and have the experience of you doing the interview? You can… and you should.

You’re the major player

If you’re working with a recruiter, don’t be afraid to interview your recruiter. Ask how many jobs they're working on; drill them about the company; ask about the hiring manager, etc.

You’ve probably noted that, in this space, we’re constantly harping on how important it is to prepare adequately for the interview. By holding your recruiter’s feet to the fire, you can find a lot of answers to a lot of questions… thereby, in effect, having your recruiter do some of your prep work for you. Recruiters work for the company, so make them work for it.

Just by the very fact that they have the job order, there is probably a lot of information about that opening that they have access to. Press them. Cajole them. Browbeat them if you must… OK. Browbeat may be a little strong.

But do press them. Get as much information as you can about the company, the position, the interviewer, what they’re looking for in a successful candidate, what may turn them off to a candidate. Does the recruiter know anything at all about the competition for this spot? What about salary information? Does the recruiter know at what price point your salary demand will disqualify you?

Gather together anything that can enhance your knowledge which you can use to your advantage in the job interview. The information is there for the taking.

More tips.