Job offers: What interviewers want to know about you
Q: I would rate my last couple of interviews as average, even though I did receive one offer and turned it down. I am not intimidated during an interview, but I get confused on exactly what the interviewer is looking for. What do interviewers want to know about me before a job offer?
A: Being invited for a job interview can be an exciting moment during your search. It is the gateway to meeting with a potential employer interested in talking with you. It sounds like the interview itself does not concern you, rather the information the interviewer needs before moving to the next steps in the hiring process.
Naturally, you want to prepare for an interview. However, so many factors can happen during your meeting that it can become confusing. Focusing on a broader view of what interviewers hope to receive from you during the interview will help you participate with more understanding.
If you take a panoramic view of the interview, you would discover five areas where most questions surface: self-awareness, communication, critical thinking, work style, and motivation.
Interviewers want to know how selfaware you are regarding your strengths, sensitivity to others, and how well you can articulate the unique value you would bring.
The next area is related to your communication skills. Interviewers are observing and experiencing your ability to build rapport with them. Listening is an important facet of communication, and interviewers constantly observe how well you respond to their questions. Communicating under stressful conditions is a needed skill in the workplace.
Interviewers are looking for critical thinking skills in approaching problems and offering solutions. For example, how do you problem solve in looking at the big picture?
Your work style will be another area where questions can surface regarding your ability to work on a team and your initiative for being a self starter. Be prepared to talk about your remote work and how you accomplish tasks.
Every candidate will have a work style, such as how you adapt to change.
Motivation is another critical area that sends a message relating to your career goals, such as short- and long-term goals. Questions about work-life balance will often reflect your values and motivation.
For example, if you are interviewing with a start-up business, the interviewer will pay attention to your motivation in an entrepreneurial structure. Are you risk-averse, or do you thrive on challenges?
While there are variations of interview questions depending on the interviewer’s skill, you will strengthen your chances of landing a good job if you prep in advance.
Researching the company by studying their products and services makes your answers well-rounded and conveys that you took the time to explore the employer. It also helps you connect your reasons as to why you are interested in the position and want to work for them. Plus, it gives you meaningful questions to ask.