A job interview is not just an opportunity for a potential employer to get to know you.  It is also your opportunity to be better acquainted with the potential employer and determine if they are a good fit for you.  What is the best way to make that assessment?  By combining information gathered during your pre-interview research with information gathered during the interview itself. 

To help you with this process we have put together this list of five key things you should note during an interview.

1.  Organizational culture

Every company or organization has its own internal culture that shapes and influences the working environment.  Your interview is a good time to assess the cultural aspects of the potential employer, both through questioning and observation.  Ask the interviewer to describe the work environment and take notes on the words he or she uses.  After the interview is over you can look back at your notes and assess the work environment as described by the interviewer.

Some of the best information you can gather about organizational culture is through your own observations.  From the minute you drive up to the company facility to the minute you leave the property, make careful observations about what you see.  Some examples:

• Is the atmosphere quiet and subdued or energetic and active?
• Are employees dressed in formal business attire or so-called business casual clothing?
• Do people smile and greet each other in the corridor or do they walk by without noticing anyone else?
  

These are important clues to the culture of the organization and the atmosphere in which you would work if you were to accept a job there.

2. Opportunities for growth

Ask questions about the company and the job opening itself to find out about opportunities for growth.  Ask questions such as: 

• What is the typical career path for someone who starts in that job position?
• What kinds of training, education and development activities are available?
• What are the company’s growth areas and new initiatives?

In general, the more supportive an organization is of employee growth and development, the more likely there are to be opportunities for growth over the long term.

3. Mixed messages

Pay attention to the answers the interviewer gives to your questions about the job and the organization.  His or her answers should paint a consistent picture of the job and the company.  If they don’t, or if you receive some mixed messages, then try to clarify your understanding.

For example, ask why the job position is open.  Is the answer sensible and straightforward?  Or is it somewhat vague and evasive?  If the interviewer’s behavior or words do not match with how the job and company have been described to you, be cautious.

4. Performance expectations

Try to get a sense of the performance expectations for the job position.  Ask questions such as:

• Is it a new position or has someone held it before?
• Are the areas of responsibility currently performing poorly so that quick improvement would be expected?
• How are performance expectations typically established for similar positions?

Listen for any clue that might indicate unrealistic or poorly formed expectations for the person who accepts the position, for this can be a sign of difficulties to come.

5. Your inner voice

You probably know the feeling.  You meet someone new, or take on a new responsibility, and that little voice inside your head tries to get your attention.  Your inner voice is often a very good guide when it comes to assessing people and situations, so pay close attention to what it tells you.  Notice things like:

The interviewer – if he or she would also be your new boss, how comfortable would you be reporting to this person?

The company – is the company growing and offering new opportunities on a regular basis, or is it stuck in a rut and struggling to stay relevant? 

The culture – does the organizational culture feel comfortable and inviting to you, or are you uncomfortable with the working environment? 

Combined with objective considerations of the potential job, your inner voice can be a valuable source of insight during a job search.