The Mental Emotional Health Blog

The current economic climate places more pressure on individuals to interview well as they try to secure a job. I realize this subject is a little off-topic for MentalEmotionalHealth.com, but I wanted to give a few brief ideas on interviewing that have helped me.

I actually like the interview process. Interviews can be nerve-wracking and intense for job seekers, and I used to feel that way. What changed my entire outlook on the process was reading one of the Knock ‘Em Dead (by Martin Yate) resume/interview books years ago. There was a section that discussed good questions to ask prospective employers at the end of interviews. Once I had looked them over, something clicked: I can interview the interviewer!

From that point, the first part of interviews felt much less pressured because I knew I would have my chance to put them on the spot. I started  using a few direct, open-ended questions for them such as:

• What first attracted you to this company?
• What keeps you here?
• What do you like most about the people here?

The impressive employers know the answers to these questions pretty well and are comfortable answering them. If employers seem rattled or wonder why you are asking, that might indicate a few concerns about the work environment. You can always ask follow up questions if you want certain things clarified.

Best wishes to all of you that are job-searching.