The key to interviewing well and confidently is to understand that you are not the only one being interviewed. You are interviewing them! And you want to ask probing questions that reveal the employer's mindset and working conditions.
Many employers go into these discussions thinking that they are going to put you under the microscope. But if you direct hard questions in their direction, the power dynamic changes. Suddenly they are trying to convince you that you should work for them.
One of the best questions to ask early in interviews is "Outside of what's in the job description, what are the qualities that you are looking for in the ideal candidate?" Then you can frame your responses in a manner that aligns with their description.
Another great question to ask: "What are the circumstances that led to the availability of this position?" I asked this question recently and the employer revealed that 1) a former employee in that position had left, and (after further probing) 2) this employer tended to hire inexperienced engineers, who frequently left after a couple years to pursue better jobs. Needless to say, that info prompted me to end the conversation.
Remember: It's far better to be rejected by a good employer than it is to end up working for a shitty one because you didn't ask the right questions.
Many employers go into these discussions thinking that they are going to put you under the microscope. But if you direct hard questions in their direction, the power dynamic changes. Suddenly they are trying to convince you that you should work for them.
One of the best questions to ask early in interviews is "Outside of what's in the job description, what are the qualities that you are looking for in the ideal candidate?" Then you can frame your responses in a manner that aligns with their description.
Another great question to ask: "What are the circumstances that led to the availability of this position?" I asked this question recently and the employer revealed that 1) a former employee in that position had left, and (after further probing) 2) this employer tended to hire inexperienced engineers, who frequently left after a couple years to pursue better jobs. Needless to say, that info prompted me to end the conversation.
Remember: It's far better to be rejected by a good employer than it is to end up working for a shitty one because you didn't ask the right questions.