Watch out for these tech cities.

We often remind our users that when they are interviewing for an open position, they are interviewing the employer as much as the employer is interviewing them. By paying attention to the subtle clues in the office environment, job seekers can gain a better perspective on the culture of the company or division. This way candidates can make more informed decisions regarding fit. Here are a few tips to help you size up the work environment of the company you are interviewing with.

If possible, schedule your interview early in the morning, late in the day, or during lunchtime.

When you arrive look around and see who else is there at that time. If you have an early morning or early evening appointment and the office is packed, chances are that the culture is one that necessitates coming in early or staying late. If you interview during lunch and everyone seems to be eating at their desk, that could be a clue about the culture of the organization. If you are interviewing with a company that has a company parking lot, observe how full the lot is during these hours to determine if late nights or early mornings are part of the culture of the entire organization.

Ask to do a walk-through of the office.

If you have made it to the second round of interviews, consider asking to see the office space. This allows you to canvas the physical space, but again gives you important clues about the office culture. Is the set up cubicle style, big open spaces, windowed offices, or a lot of closed doors? Does the space appear clean, well maintained and feel like a place where you would feel comfortable and safe?

Make small talk with the receptionist.

This is important for several reasons. Many hiring authorities ask the receptionist their impressions of candidates that come in to apply for jobs. Make sure their first impression of you is positive. Through your conversation, you may gain valuable tidbits of information or see firsthand what types of people come through the reception area and how they interact with each other.

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The internet, being an extremely popular source, makes competition for getting that job highly competitive. Get started with your My Online Career Space and let that prospective employer know you are the primary candidate for them. With your own personalized career space you will rise above the rest of the job seekers on the internet.

If you would like to get up-to-date information, join us on Twitter, Digg, StumbleUpon, Facebook and MySpace.

Job and Career Books are available here and get Online Career Coaching here.

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Pay close attention to the four most important questions employers want answers to when they’re interviewing you:

• “Why are you here?” (also phrased as “What do you know about us?” or “Why are you here today?”)

• “What can you do for us?” (also phrased as “Tell me a little about yourself,” “Why are you looking to change jobs?” or “What’s your most important accomplishment to date?”)

• “Will you fit in?” (also phrased as “Will you get along with our values and culture?”)

• “What makes you different from everyone else that we may have talked with?” (also phrased as, “Will you go that extra mile?” or “Why should we hire you?”)

Rehearse your answers with your own “personal stories.” These are short narratives describing specific times in your past when you overcame a crisis, led a team, met a deadline, or resurrected a failed project.

——
The internet, being an extremely popular source, makes competition for getting that job highly competitive. Get started with your My Online Career Space and let that prospective employer know you are the primary candidate for them. With your own personalized career space you will rise above the rest of the job seekers on the internet.

If you would like to get up-to-date information, join us on Twitter, Digg, StumbleUpon, Facebook and MySpace.

Job and Career Books are available here and get Online Career Coaching here.

Want to read more articles check these out:

How to Network

Video Resumes

5 Interview Questions You May Be Asked

Job Specialization: A Great First Step in Your Job Search

The Essential Skill of Executive Branding

Oprah Winfrey: Her Online Personal Branding and Your Job Search

Resume Mistakes

Interview Mistakes