{"id":1841,"date":"2015-12-09T10:14:58","date_gmt":"2015-12-09T16:14:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/bullseyerecruiting.net\/?p=1841"},"modified":"2023-10-05T11:51:43","modified_gmt":"2023-10-05T17:51:43","slug":"how-to-nail-the-interview-and-find-your-pot-of-gold","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bullseyerecruiting.net\/how-to-nail-the-interview-and-find-your-pot-of-gold\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Nail the Interview and Find Your Pot of Gold"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\tDuring a recent trip to Alaska, I was intrigued by the long and rich stories of the \u201cGold Rush\u201d expeditions. In the day treasure hunters went to extreme lengths, often risking personal injury to find a treasure that would literally transform their lives.<\/p>\n

And I started thinking that it\u2019s really not much different than a job search. Sure you aren\u2019t mining for real nuggets of gold, but nonetheless you are a treasure hunter going to great lengths and risking personal injury (albeit emotional!) as you look for job opportunities.<\/p>\n

While you\u2019re engaged in the hunt, chances are good that you pass by some finds dismissing them as either too small or not \u201cpure\u201d enough to reach your goals. But just when you start thinking you\u2019re never going to find your \u201cpot of gold,\u201d you get a call for an interview for the job of your dreams! At last the chance to claim your treasure.<\/p>\n

But before you get too carried away with interview prep, it\u2019s important to understand that your ultimate goal in the interview isn\u2019t to get the job.<\/em> I know that\u2019s crazy right?!? Instead your goal is to figure out if you WANT the job<\/a>. And the best way to do this is by asking questions that help you determine if the position really is the \u201ctreasure\u201d you think it may be.<\/p>\n

In my years of coaching and candidate selection, I\u2019ve told virtually every candidate the interview is as much about their opportunity to determine if we are a fit for them as it is about me. Yet when I ask what questions they have, most candidates either numbly reply \u201cno\u201d or maybe ask about a timeline for the decision. But that\u2019s it.<\/p>\n

Instead, ask a few of the questions below to determine if the opportunity is really your \u201cpot of gold:\u201d<\/p>\n

Questions to Get Insights About the Boss<\/strong>:\"questions\"<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

1. QUESTON:<\/strong> Tell me about a top performer on your team. What does he\/she do differently?
\nGOAL:<\/strong> To learn what skills\/accomplishments are required to be a recognized team leader.<\/p>\n

2. QUESTION:<\/strong> What did your team recently accomplish that made you proud?
\nGOAL:<\/strong> First, to let the hiring manager brag about a recent accomplishment which is never a bad move, but this question also provides insight about what it takes to impress them.<\/p>\n

3. QUESTION:<\/strong> How would you describe your communication and management style?
\nGOAL:<\/strong> Here you\u2019re looking to learn how much they will\/won\u2019t be in your business and how easily you can adapt to their style. For example if you are soft-spoken and concerned about hurting others feelings, working for someone with a direct communication style may not be a great move.<\/p>\n

4. QUESTION:<\/strong> What will be your biggest challenge in the next 12 months?
\nGOAL:<\/strong> By learning their challenge, you should gain a pretty good idea of ways you may be able to add value to the team. And there is also a good chance you\u2019ll learn a bit about enterprise efforts and company direction.<\/p>\n

5. QUESTION:<\/strong> What will be the most important criteria in your candidate selection?
\nGOAL:<\/strong> Ideally after asking this question you want to find a way either immediately or during follow up to demonstrate your proficiency with the most important criteria\u2026assuming the job is your \u201cpot of gold!\u201d<\/p>\n

Questions to Ask to get Insights About the Job<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

1. QUESTION<\/strong>: If I was offered the job, what would be my biggest challenge?
\nGOAL:<\/strong> This question helps you spot difficulties such as work load; personality issues and skill gaps.<\/p>\n

2. QUESTION:<\/strong> Would be possible to see some examples of the work I would be expected to complete?
\nGOAL:<\/strong> There\u2019s no easier way to see if you will enjoy the work you\u2019re expected to complete than seeing examples. It also allows you to be confident that you can perform at the expected level.<\/p>\n

3. QUESTION:<\/strong> How much travel is expected?
\nGOAL:<\/strong> While some folks love travel on the company dime, others prefer a more traditional office environment. Asking this question ensures you know what you are\/aren\u2019t getting into.<\/p>\n

4. QUESTION:<\/strong> What does a typical week look like here?
\nGOAL:<\/strong> This question allows you to gain a glimpse of life on the \u201cinside.\u201d For example if you learn that most of your days will be spent in meetings or team projects and both of those make your eyes glaze over, a \u201ctreasure\u201d it\u2019s not!<\/p>\n

5. QUESTION:<\/strong> Would it be possible to meet the team members as a part of the screening process?
\nGOAL:<\/strong> A huge part of your work satisfaction is dependent upon co-workers and having the chance to meet the team allows you to see how comfortably you can\/can\u2019t work together. It also allows you to gauge the age, sex and experience of those you will be joining.<\/p>\n

You see, the concept of finding a treasure (aka pot of gold) is something special. And finding a job where you are engaged (and maybe even LOVE!); co-workers who you enjoy; finding purpose in your life and maybe even the chance for further career growth doesn\u2019t just happen. Asking a few of these types of questions during your interview helps you easily sort out the gold from a shiny new opportunity that quickly dulls.<\/p>\n

As an added bonus, the recruiter will likely enjoy the dialogue, the chance to talk about themselves and their responsibilities and just maybe offer you that \u201cpot of gold\u201d with a job offer!<\/p>\n

Best of luck and I\u2019d love to hear from you. What is the best question you\u2019ve asked during an interview?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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