3 questions to ask your potential employer...

 ...and what they might not tell you...

Most of us have been there. At the job interview. Head full of hot tips on trends and questions you should ask. How you should be dressed, speak, stand, breath bla, bla, bla. It time to start the employer /employee game….

I see a picture in front of me. It dates back to 1873. It’s myself with my cap in my hand asking for a job. My muscles are checked and my teeth as well. Unfortunately, I was missing a front tooth so no job ...

"Do not think that you are in focus" and "do not talk too much about yourself". Interview tips from a professional. She continues: "The employer is only interested in what you can do for them." “Not vice versa”. Hmmm… does anyeone really buy into that…?

HR is to busy...

HR has "no time" to read resumes and would like to interview a minimum of applicants. There are hundreds of personality tests such as DISC, MBTI, Myers Briggs to make sure they don't.... How do you know which system is the best? Well I don’t know ...

Sometimes you recognize yourself from the test. If you don’t fit in, hopefully you receive a written response such as: "Thank you for your interest. Sorry, but your resource profile is not consistent with our needs ".. OK…!!? But if you use a different tool then…?.

Q & A:s...

But how do I test my potential boss and employer? (I'm grateful for any ideas !!) Here are a few ideas for Q:s and possible A:s...

• Q: Is the company run by ideas or hierarchy?
A: We are driven by ideas, of course (as long as the ideas are coming from the right person ...)

• Q: How do you make sure to take advantage of commitment, creativity and suggestions for changes?
A: We have ongoing discussions with those coming forward (you see that big garbage can over there ...?)

• Q: Is it OK if I express what I think could be done more efficient or in another way or when I think things are just not working well? Can I go to you guys as CEO and HR and we can have a discussion?
A: Of course you can come to anyone and express your opinions. (We will never hire you. You look like trouble…)

As a manager, you want to hire the best for your business. But, why should a job seekers choose you as a manager? After all, that is what they are doing. And you are aware of it...
It takes a lot of effort from you as well. 

Your employees want to be able to influence and be involved. But how do you as a manager make a difference? Can you deliver what the company's brand implies?

Read books and change...

There are a plethora of different theories, management courses and inspirational books written by successful business leaders on how to create a successful business and corporate culture.

Read the books! Read other books too! Take the courses! Books are great sources of inspiration. Use bits and pieces fitting into your leadership style. All of what Steve Jobs, Bill Gates or Jack Welch and other successful leaders say you cannot make use of. 

Simply because you're not like them. You are unique! Select the parts of your role models you feel you can manage when being you.



You will experience personal change when you decide to change your leadership. It's probably a tough process. Just as tough as changes are for most people. Just as great as changes can be.

• You need to find your identity. You choose the way you lead. Find a role model, an inspiration, which is consistent with your values. Values will take you far in the long run.
• When you are interviewing, use your gut feeling for what you want to know about the person and when you judge their answers and elaborations. After all you are experienced. Aren’t you?
• Realize that all people are unique. Do not use one template for all your staff. Use your skills to determine how to get the best out of your employees.
• Think about how a potential employee will perceive your company and yourself during and after the interview. No matter if the person will get a job offer or not. He or she will talk about you and your company with others no matter what…
• One day, it could be you looking for a job. The door opens up and into the room comes… the person you interviewed a long time ago when he or she applied for a job, when you were the boss, and who did not get the job. You’re facing your boss to be…. Let’s hope you made a good impression back then…

After all it’s quite simple. Be nice and be yourself…