If you leave a job interview thinking you could have done a better job, you’re not alone. But, instead of being frustrated or discouraged, try asking a few questions before you go to the interview. Asking pre-interview questions will not only increase your chances of getting a second interview, it will give you valuable insight into the employer’s needs.
Going on an interview without knowing the specific skills the employer needs prevents you from making the best impression to the employer. You can better prepare if you know some basic information about the position. Here are a few to get you started, next time you are invited to interview for a position.
Ask for a job description. You may have one if the job was advertised online, but it doesn’t hurt to ask if there’s a more detailed description to send you. Highlight key areas and match your skills and expertise accordingly. The job description is a road map to assist you in asking questions during the interview.
Ask about the job interview schedule. Who will you be meeting? Will this be a group interview, and how much time should you block out? If you have the opportunity, ask about the background of the person who will be interviewing you. Acquiring knowledge about the interviewer’s background will help you establish rapport with them. Information gleaned from this question will help determine if this is a screening interview, where each candidate is scheduled for a shorter, very defined period of time. Interviews lasting 45 minutes to an hour are usually screening interviews. If you are a strong candidate. other interviews will follow.
Ask what on your resume or in your background interested the employer. This will help you define the employer’s needs. What you assume to be the employer’s areas of need may not be the case. Again, if you know what the employer’s key concerns are, you can better prepare by matching your skills to their needs.
