How to make your interview great!
Ever been to an interview and so nervous you do not know what to say? Ever stumble on your words and your thoughts? Ever walk in to the interviewer and not understand what the firm does and what role you can fulfill?
I recently counseled a client about a new employment opportunity. Naturally he was surprised to be going on an interview. He had been out of work for four months and was anxious to get his teeth into something. He contacted me to assist him with his interview.
My client was so concerned about impressions and looks that when he was about to end the call I surprised him with my question, “What does the company do?” He did not have an answer. On further questioning, I discovered that he did not even understand what the job entailed.
Ladies and Gentlemen, would you go to a meeting without an agenda? Do you get into your automobile without knowing how to turn on the car? Do you look at a directory when you are going to a new mall? Well then why go to an interview without knowing the particulars about the company and the position?
It is imperative to conduct research about your new job opportunity. When you go to an interview you want to know something about the position and about the company. Job interviews are not an inquisition, they are opportunities to show off your personality, your desire and the knowledge you bring to the table. So why not show off with a bit of homework on the company.
Depending on whether the company is private or public there are three sources of information that you can get today at no cost-the annual report, and business and industry news.
Annual Report
This important multi-section document is a must read. Within the front pages sales professionals will find a letter from the president or CEO indicating new products, growth plans, operational woes and competitive plans. This first section will communicate how you and your producers help the company.
Other sections of importance are the lasting of company officers and board members. Review the list to see if your contact is in the upper tier and perhaps who the board members that might be considered as future customers.
Last, read the financial report, review the numbers go that you know the company’s financial strength. From this section, alone you might determine if the company has the money for your product. Or, perhaps you can save them money.
So where can you get an annual report, call investor relations for Corporation Communications, or call your contact. The latter will appreciate going the extra mile to find out about their company.
Other ways to obtain the report go to the firm’s website or subscribe to an internet services such as www.Hoovers.com or www.factiva.com. .
Business News
I firmly believe that job hunters must read a major national business periodical such as The Wall Street Journal, the New York Times.
To properly service your future customers you must understand their successes, feel their trials and tribulations and help to downplay competitive and marketplace pressures. Reading a major periodical will apprise you of new customer news and keep you abreast of business changes.
Not enough time to read through the papers; then subscribe to these papers e-mail bulletin services for real-time updates.
When you walk into an interview and can speak about suppliers, vendors or recent company events you will highly impress both the decision maker and human resources person.
Industry News
As important as the real-time business news is, you must clearly understand the industry you might service. It is your job to follow the industry news. Perhaps the company services a niche industry such as I do in Wall Street Technology firms. Ask your former clients and peer contacts about the periodicals perhaps they have an idea.
Use the Telephone
When all else fails pick up the telephone and call the Human Resources Department. Let them know that you are coming in for an interview and want to learn more about the company. Let them know who you are interviewing with and when. Ask them if they can supply you with company information that can assist you.
You might even ask if you can speak to a valuable employee in a different department than the one interviewing you to supply you with information.
Be a detective in this step. Try to discover as much about the company as possible so that you have a better feel for the environment, the position and your future employees. Take the time to learn their business and your efforts will be rewarded.
A job interview is your place to shine. You have one shot to make an ever lasting impression on your future boss or peer. By doing some homework and taking the time, you illustrate your professionalism, attitude and commitment to work.
I know many people that use this approach and based on the position, some of them will get hired on the spot. Do your homework and increase your chances or success!
©2008 Drew Stevens PhD. All rights reserved.
I recently counseled a client about a new employment opportunity. Naturally he was surprised to be going on an interview. He had been out of work for four months and was anxious to get his teeth into something. He contacted me to assist him with his interview.
My client was so concerned about impressions and looks that when he was about to end the call I surprised him with my question, “What does the company do?” He did not have an answer. On further questioning, I discovered that he did not even understand what the job entailed.
Ladies and Gentlemen, would you go to a meeting without an agenda? Do you get into your automobile without knowing how to turn on the car? Do you look at a directory when you are going to a new mall? Well then why go to an interview without knowing the particulars about the company and the position?
It is imperative to conduct research about your new job opportunity. When you go to an interview you want to know something about the position and about the company. Job interviews are not an inquisition, they are opportunities to show off your personality, your desire and the knowledge you bring to the table. So why not show off with a bit of homework on the company.
Depending on whether the company is private or public there are three sources of information that you can get today at no cost-the annual report, and business and industry news.
Annual Report
This important multi-section document is a must read. Within the front pages sales professionals will find a letter from the president or CEO indicating new products, growth plans, operational woes and competitive plans. This first section will communicate how you and your producers help the company.
Other sections of importance are the lasting of company officers and board members. Review the list to see if your contact is in the upper tier and perhaps who the board members that might be considered as future customers.
Last, read the financial report, review the numbers go that you know the company’s financial strength. From this section, alone you might determine if the company has the money for your product. Or, perhaps you can save them money.
So where can you get an annual report, call investor relations for Corporation Communications, or call your contact. The latter will appreciate going the extra mile to find out about their company.
Other ways to obtain the report go to the firm’s website or subscribe to an internet services such as www.Hoovers.com or www.factiva.com. .
Business News
I firmly believe that job hunters must read a major national business periodical such as The Wall Street Journal, the New York Times.
To properly service your future customers you must understand their successes, feel their trials and tribulations and help to downplay competitive and marketplace pressures. Reading a major periodical will apprise you of new customer news and keep you abreast of business changes.
Not enough time to read through the papers; then subscribe to these papers e-mail bulletin services for real-time updates.
When you walk into an interview and can speak about suppliers, vendors or recent company events you will highly impress both the decision maker and human resources person.
Industry News
As important as the real-time business news is, you must clearly understand the industry you might service. It is your job to follow the industry news. Perhaps the company services a niche industry such as I do in Wall Street Technology firms. Ask your former clients and peer contacts about the periodicals perhaps they have an idea.
Use the Telephone
When all else fails pick up the telephone and call the Human Resources Department. Let them know that you are coming in for an interview and want to learn more about the company. Let them know who you are interviewing with and when. Ask them if they can supply you with company information that can assist you.
You might even ask if you can speak to a valuable employee in a different department than the one interviewing you to supply you with information.
Be a detective in this step. Try to discover as much about the company as possible so that you have a better feel for the environment, the position and your future employees. Take the time to learn their business and your efforts will be rewarded.
A job interview is your place to shine. You have one shot to make an ever lasting impression on your future boss or peer. By doing some homework and taking the time, you illustrate your professionalism, attitude and commitment to work.
I know many people that use this approach and based on the position, some of them will get hired on the spot. Do your homework and increase your chances or success!
©2008 Drew Stevens PhD. All rights reserved.
Labels: interview help, interview skills, job candidate, job hunting, job training, self development, self help
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