Before
The Interview Part 1 |
Research
the Employer, Interviewer, and Industry. Interviewers describe
lack of company knowledge as one of their top pet peeves.
Learn to do your homework, before you go for an INTERVIEW
(You main source is Internet) Interview
Q & A
Employers
expect you to know about their organization and industry.
Chances are high that they will ask you questions designed
to test whether you did your homework. For example, you could
be asked one or more of these questions that require knowledge
of the company:
What do you think it takes to be successful in this career?
Do you enjoy doing independent research?
Do you have any plans for further education?
Why do you want to work in the _____________ industry
What do you know about our company?
Why are you interested in our company?
Spend time researching the company by examining the company's
annual reports, company Websites, and external sources of
information. But don't stop there. Spend time familiarizing
yourself with the key industry (or industries) that the company
or division operates within.
Company Web site.
Google search.
Annual Reports or other printed materials from the company.
People you know who work there (part of your network, alumni).
Customers and vendors.
Library: Print, online, CD resources, online library databases
Also spend time boning up on your interview skills and style.
Do some research to determine the types of interviews you
should expect during your visit -- but be prepared for everything?
If possible, ask your company contact person (or his or her
assistant) for a copy of the interview schedule -- and make
sure you get the names and titles of those who are interviewing
you. If possible, try to find out information about these
people; the Web is a great source for this type of information.
Make sure you know the exact position you are interviewing
for so that you can research typical duties and responsibilities,
as well as salary range. Determine how your unique selling
proposition (USP) fits with the position
-- and plan on articulating it again and again at each interview
setting during the company visit. Figure out as much as possible
about the employer's needs. Find out more than the average
interviewee about the company and the hiring manager's concerns.
|
|
|
