Top 10 Tips for Interviewing Your Interviewer

Top 10 Tips for Interviewing Your Interviewer

If you're preparing for a job interview, it's important to remember that it's a two-way street. While the hiring manager is trying to determine whether or not you're a good fit for the company, it's also your chance to ask questions and assess if the company and the role is a good fit for you. To make the most of this opportunity, here are the top 10 tips for interviewing your interviewer.

Table of Contents

Understand the Company's Culture

Research the Interviewer

Come Prepared with Questions

Show Interest in the Company

Be Confident, Not Arrogant

Practice Active Listening

Be Prepared to Discuss Your Skills and Experience

Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Clarification

Follow Up After the Interview

Be Authentic

Understand the Company's Culture

Before your interview, research the company's culture to get a sense of the company's values, mission, and goals. Understanding the company's culture can help you tailor your responses and questions to align with the company's vision.

Research the Interviewer

Look up the interviewer on LinkedIn to gain insight into their professional background, work history, and interests. You may find common ground that can help build rapport during the interview.

Come Prepared with Questions

Prepare a list of questions to ask during the interview. This not only demonstrates your interest in the company but also shows that you've done your research. Ask open-ended questions that encourage discussion and give you a better understanding of the company and the role.

Show Interest in the Company

Demonstrate your enthusiasm for the company and the role. Show the interviewer that you're genuinely interested in the company's mission and goals. This can help you stand out from other candidates and show that you're a good fit for the company culture.

Be Confident, Not Arrogant

Confidence is important in an interview, but there's a fine line between being confident and coming across as arrogant. Remember to stay humble and avoid criticizing past employers or colleagues.

Practice Active Listening

During the interview, practice active listening. This means giving the interviewer your full attention, responding appropriately, and asking follow-up questions. Active listening can help you better understand the interviewer's perspective and build rapport.

Be Prepared to Discuss Your Skills and Experience

Be prepared to discuss your skills and experience in detail. This includes specific examples of how you've demonstrated these skills in past roles. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.

Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Clarification

If you're unsure about a question or a response, don't be afraid to ask for clarification. This shows that you're engaged and willing to learn, and can help prevent misunderstandings.

Follow Up After the Interview

After the interview, send a thank-you note or email to the interviewer. This shows appreciation for their time and can help keep you top of mind. If you don't hear back within a week, consider following up with a polite email to inquire about the status of your application.

Be Authentic

Finally, remember to be yourself. Trying to be someone you're not can come across as insincere and may not be a good fit for the company's culture. Be honest about your strengths and weaknesses, and show your personality.

Conclusion

By following these top 10 tips for interviewing your interviewer, you can make the most of this opportunity to assess whether or not the company and the role are a good fit for you. Remember to do your research, come prepared with questions, and be authentic.

FAQs

Q1. Should I bring a list of questions to the interview?

A: Yes, it's a good idea to come prepared with a list of questions to ask during the interview. This demonstrates your interest in the company and the role, and can also help you get a better understanding of the company's culture and expectations.

Q2. Is it okay to ask about salary during the interview?

A: It's generally best to avoid asking about salary during the initial interview, unless the interviewer brings it up first. You can wait until the later stages of the interview process or until you receive an offer to negotiate salary.

Q3. How can I show my enthusiasm for the company during the interview?

A: You can show your enthusiasm for the company by researching the company's mission, values, and goals before the interview, and by asking thoughtful questions that demonstrate your interest in the company's culture and future plans.

Q4. What is the STAR method?

A: The STAR method is a structured approach to answering behavioral interview questions. It stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result, and involves providing specific examples of how you've demonstrated certain skills or qualities in past roles.

Q5. What should I do if I don't hear back from the company after the interview?

A: If you haven't heard back from the company within a week, it's okay to follow up with a polite email to inquire about the status of your application. However, be mindful of the company's hiring process and wait at least a week before following up.