As a job seeker it’s normal to have a mindset that you want to get hired. However, this shouldn’t be the only thing that crosses your mind. Don’t get me wrong as ultimately this is the most important goal. However, if you think for a moment; have you ever gotten a job you really wanted then later changed your mind? Maybe you got bored? Maybe you didn’t like an aspect of the job? Or maybe you didn’t get along with someone or just didn’t like the way someone was treating you at work? If this has ever happened to you, then you’re not alone.
Most human resource professionals or employers who do the hiring either make you feel the job is sought after by many candidates and/or a lot of people are being considered for the job. This is all and well for competition, but don’t look at it as their advantage. Always keep in mind that they’re just as lucky to have you and your confidence can help you land the job you want. Remember you’ll be doing this job for approximately 40 hours a week, 160 hours a month, 1920 hours a year with the exception of holidays and vacations of course. After looking at these calculations, doesn’t making decisions about finding a job seem even more crucial to your livelihood? It should. But how do you make sure a job is right for you? Ask the right questions. Here are some sample ones you should be asking in an interview and if you want, tweaked at your discretion:
1) Can you tell me what a typical day would be like for this job or what are the 5 most important duties or responsibilities for this position?
(you want to know if you’re capable of doing the job, will you be satisfied doing the tasks and how much weight of responsibility is there on this position in relevant to others you will be working with)
2) How will my performance be evaluated or what do I need to do in order to be deemed successful in this role?
(you want to know what type of evaluation will be done on you for the position – is there a 3 month evaluation/probationary period with a chance of a raise at that time and/or are there a list of goals that have to be met by a certain time frame)
3) Are there any career opportunities that might stem from this position?
(you want to know what options are available to which your career can go if you decide to take the job – are there any positions you may be interested in, in the future)
4) What is the reporting structure?
(you want to know who you’ll be working with, but mostly who will be your direct manager or supervisor that you may have to go to if you have problems – this has to be someone you know you’d be able to get along with)
Lastly, you should always ask what the time frame is for making their decision and when they expect someone to start if these aren’t addressed in the interview.
Although you may not be 100% sure whether you’ve made the right decision about a job until you’ve actually worked in the position, hopefully this is a good starting point. If you find out as much as you can about the job, in the end it shouldn’t be them deciding to hire you; it should be you deciding if you want to work for them!
AA
HR Advice – Tips on landing the job you want!
http://avidjobseeker.blogspot.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Aileen_Amador
