What are some ways to check out your employers and the job when you go to an interview?

I know they are sizing me up, but how can I size them up to work out what they are about. What are some questions or ways to subtely do this?

You don't need to be subtle at all. When I went for the interview for the job I am now in, I probably asked them more questions than they asked me.

Good ones are - How long has the company been in business, how many staff, how many people on your team, who will your manager be (if your potential line manager isn't there, ask if it is possible for them to attend should they ask you back for a second interview) your predecessor, why did they leave? what is the staff turnover?

Leave questions regarding holidays, working hours, flexi-time, incentives, staff outings etc until the second interview.

If anything gives you a bad feeling, just don't go for it, there would be nothing worse than spending 40 hours a week in a job you don't like.

Good luck =]

The Company's website are always a good resource...pay attention to the job description..and use their "Buzz words"

First off, don't be subtle about it, ask about the company's strategic direction, your possibilities for advancement, what the company's view is with retention initiatives, flexitime, duvet days. Read what you can about the company and structure questions around this. You may see that if you were the employers position, a person showing they have used their initiative, has done some homework, and is thinking about the job in a long term context is going to score seriously in the selection process, good luck.

You must read their website before the interview. And when you are there, try observing unobtrusively, from the staff who attends to you, to the office facilities and equipment. From the physical set-up, you can get an idea on the culture and standing of your would-be employer. You may also ask questions when given a chance during the interview. By doing so, interviewers can detect your interest in the company. Some interviewers are specific in their requirements and offer more information about the company. At this point, you may clarify some of their points to know more about them. However, do not ask direct questions about them when you don't hear them asking or when in the middle of their questioning about you. This situation can become awkward.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

Use the company web site to find information about the company, theiir vision statement, plans for growth in the industry, etc. You can usually get a copy of the most recent Annual Report from the website - that is an excellent source of information about the company's current financial standing and other information. You can also check on their pages for any inforamtion about work conditions, benefits, etc. that they might post. While you are on the web site you can also look for any recent press releases or news they have about new products launched, statements about performance, etc.

For an real in-depth analysis, you should also into the same information on their competitors so that you can show a great deal of understanding not just about the one specific company, but about the industry as a whole, where they fit in, and where they want to be in the future.

Manta.com
Better Business Bureau

If your state has a court network site that you can look at, even better, then you can see if the company is or was involved in any disputes, business or personnel wise.

Do you know of anyone connected with the company? Word of mouth is always another source.

Besides their website LOOK AT INDEPENDENT sources like Moody's directory of businesses and/or other web searches.

Also as a financial services executive, I recommend checking out www.learntosucceed.biz. They can make the difference, sound career advice and they will answer your specific questions.
Good Luck.