I recently had the pleasure of helping facilitate interviews for Clemson Housing’s Resident Assistant (RA) candidate pool. It made me reflect on when I interviewed to be a RA and how much I’ve improved at being an interviewee over the years. Often, an undergraduate’s first few professional interviews are a bit rough and a definite learning experience. An interview to work at a local retail store or restaurant doesn’t always well prepare you for the questions or interview styles of a semi/professional job.
One aspect of interviewing that I was initially horrible at was the question everyone is guaranteed to ask, “Do you have any questions for us?” When you’re a novice interviewee you don’t realize this question is GOLD and when you reply “no” you’ve missed a great opportunity. Coming to an interview prepared with questions is a chance to showcase what a great candidate you are, along with getting to know more about the job and company. Keep the following in mind when you need to create questions for your next interview (and don’t leave an interview without asking at least one):
· Firstly, don’t be afraid to write your inquiries down and pull them out when you’re asked if you have questions. This reflects you’ve done some true thinking about the position you’re applying for and came prepared.
· Ask the interviewer how he or she has enjoyed his or her experience with the company. This is your chance to get a genuine perspective of what it’s like to work for the employer. Don’t be afraid to ask what are some of the challenges and benefits of the position.
· You should always look into the company/position you’re applying for, and you can reflect the research you’ve done with pointed questions. Having been an interviewer on many occasions I can assure you there’s a space on every interview sheet where the interviewer writes in the questions you’ve asked. When you ask questions that reflect what you’ve learned about the company you’ve taken your effort in the interview process a step further. As an example, find out some of the values of the company. If one of them is sustainability, you could ask: “I’ve seen your company really values sustainability. That’s a personal value I share too, can you tell me some of the ways the company is working to achieve this value?” OR “What are some ways I’ll be able to assist in preserving this value?”
· Don’t be afraid to be curious and ask about the culture of the workplace or what a daily schedule of the position you’re applying for looks like. This is one of your last opportunities to ensure you understand the position and what you’ll be doing.
As you prepare questions, remember it’s unnecessary to ask more than 3 to 5 questions, as you don’t want to bombard your interviewer. This is the last question you’re asked so it’s the last impression you give! If you ask relevant and insightful questions you’ll leave having given it your best. Want to practice or improve your interview skills? Don’t forget The Center for Career and Professional Development in Hendrix is a great resource. Good luck!
Photo Credits:
http://www.ocm.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/2010-graduation-hire-…
http://www.davidfeldmanblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/job-interview…