Put the shoe on the other foot. It is time for a giant paradigm shift. Think of the situation is one where the interview technician r is there to convince you that you should invest your time and energy building a career over their dreams. And he had better do a good job.

It is not a matter of uppitiness or conceitedness. You are more than willing to invest your time and energy as well as expertise into their dreams Nothing wrong in being concerned about this or thorough in your efforts. They are looking to hire employees who are devoted, loyal and go the extra mile in though attention to details. Here is a demonstration in real action. Not one of these canned offshoot of the Xerox sales training courses “Sell me this pen”.

True one has to be discriminate in their choices. If this is your first job or first employment in an industry then this approach may not be a good idea. It would create an image of a bull in a china shop. An employee who might well spread dissension in the ranks and creates hostility in customers. However if you are making a lateral move within your industry then that is another matter.

What questions should you ask and how should you prepare for these important events?

First of all you can ask what are the strengths and weaknesses of the firm. You would be amazed at how often this issue is muddled or even hidden. Does the organization have main goals and purpose defined? What are the major products or services? Are there upcoming products or changes in the pipeline of goods and services?

Is the firm addressing major issues?

It never hurts to ask what skills, education, experience and knowledge are required to qualify by the position so that you can better hone your approach. Similarly what personal qualities and traits are best desired for the job? Does the jobs involve defined duties or is the job description and duties in a state of flux or perhaps even worse not defined until into the fire.

What about the question of money? There are two differing views on asking about money and salary. Some think it is crash and insulting. Yet others insist that if you do not ask about salary and bonuses you are showing that you are not a practical person and in the end are not really serious about the job. As they say it is your choice depending on how you read the tea leaves so to speak. Remember that it is you who will pay the price.

Lastly look to the concern that the employer places on employee values and welfare. Does the firm really have sincere concerns regarding the personal and career growth of their employees? Look for emphasis on training, industry contacts, on the job and outsourced training and education that are practical and purposeful rather than a sugar coated approach that is only done for appearances and presentation effects after the horse has bolted so to speak from the corporate barn.

Finally this taking an active rather than a passive approach in the interview process may alarm and concern you. You may consider that you are being too forceful and even abusive and demanding even before you have the job so to speak. As with everything in life it is all about how you present yourself. These points are being made to a person who is already established in the workforce or in an industry. If you are a person looking at an entry level job that is a diffident matter.

Everyone has to pay for experience in life one way or another .If you present yourself as a serious, well prepared candidate who has a lot to offer the firm and is a careful well prepared person who is genuinely concerned about making a major jump and is well is in for the long haul that is a good thing.

Finally very if not most importantly pay serious attention to the responses and replies of the interviewer. This exercise so to speak will give a taste of what the employer will be like to deal with after you are hired and held hostage so to speak.

Everything always looks like a bed of roses until you find the thorns so to speak.

You may well find out the truthful conditions of the job and the management practices rather than what they are imagined or presented to be. You may save yourself a very frustrating situation and lot of time, energy and aggravation.