Hi all, it’s me again. Now that I have started working my new summer job, I can’t help but think back on my interview when I first met my current boss. He displayed himself as an easy-going, just get-the-job done type of guy. And, when it came for me to first start my work, much like I expected, this quality manifested itself in him as a disorganized yet flexible manager. I was able to anticipate both the flaws and pros of working with a manager like him. I expected that it would be difficult to quickly have a fixed schedule in place, but I also knew that he would be understanding boss.
This experience was a good reminder that the interview presents an opportunity for you to judge how well you anticipate yourself adjusting to a particular work environment. The paper job description rarely reveals anything about the work atmosphere or the type of supervisor to expect.
It is easy, especially now that everybody is looking for a summer job, to get so caught up in wanting the job that you forget about considering your fit in the workplace. Being able to predict the work environment will prepare you for your possible future career. Therefore, to make the most of your interview, it is important to remember that you are also the interviewer; be ready to read between the lines, gather information, and ask questions. Here are some helpful questions that you may want to ask during an interview:
1. What would you say is the biggest challenge that this workplace presents?
2. What’s your supervisory style?
3. Can you describe an ideal employee?