I'd like to say that we all dread interviews. Between the pressure and the unknown, it's all so nerve wrecking. I came across this twitter post https://twitter.com/bossnayamoss/status/1177650048101945344 and it made me think.
Should we be asking people why they seek to leave their current employer? Does it even matter? Is there ever a good reason to leave? If I say the wrong thing, will the potential employer pass on me?
This weekend I listened to an audiobook by Mel Robbins called "Work it Out" and she said an interview is just an opportunity to see if your personality is a good fit (or something like that). So now I have a different outlook on interviews. Specifically on the questions we get asked and on the questions we ask.
What are some question you ask a potential employer and why?
I always ask how they deal with mental health. If they are not understanding of issues in that area, then I know on time. It will come up at some point or another, and I am not one to lie about that. I need to feel comfortable at my place of work, and be able to live a healthy life.
What does "understanding" mean to you? What does this look like in terms of behaviours and/or actions?
Good question, I did leave that kind of vague. Usually what I find most telling is how they react to the question itself. Taken aback, confused and/or dismissive: Not really a good sign. Or immediately asking a lot of questions about why I need to know this. Seeing as everyone is always on their best behaviour in an interview, I find that very indicative.
On the other hand, a good sign for me is managers that act very appreciative of the question, and detail what they have in place to take proper care of their employees.
In my experience, the latter luckily seems to be the norm. But yeah, I do live in the Netherlands, we might not be exactly average on this.