Prepare For The Interview
Research: Important Sources of Helpful Information
- Web Pages: Start by checking the company's web page (if
they have one). This will give you valuable information that
may include what the firm does, when it was founded, the number
of employees, names of key players and projections for future
growth and expansion.
- Online Searches: Most online services have business
reference sections where applicants can download a wealth of
information about a company's history, product line and profits.
When the recruiter winds down and asks if you have any questions,
you should be prepared to ask intelligent ones that demonstrate
your knowledge of the firm.
- The Public Library: Don't neglect your local library,
which may have annual reports, company histories, biographies
of its founders, corporate rankings in sales and profits and
other important information.
- Stockbrokers: If the company you're interested in
is publicly traded, your stock broker (or your
parents' stockbroker) will also have (or be
able to get you) copies of a company's annual report and other
important filings with the government.
- Networking: Network with friends and colleagues in
similar positions and fields to learn the job security and
salary growth prospects. Also network with people who already
work at the company. What type of management style prevails?
Is it informal and decentralized, or is it run by Type A's
who get involved in every detail? Knowing this will give you
insight into the company and let you know how your own personality
will fit in with the corporate philosophy.
- Trade Associations: Talk to professional associations,
a valuable resource because they conduct salary surveys of
their members and can tell you the high and low salaries for
the job you want. You should also ask whether employees are
paid hourly, monthly or on commission, whether bonuses are
reasonable and customary and what hours you are expected to
work. Armed with this information, you will be in a good negotiating
position when it comes time to discuss salary during the interview.
- Assess your own skills: Sit down and assess your skills.
Recruiters complain that many people applying for jobs don't
take the time to think about their accomplishments and how
to best communicate them in the interview. What computer and
technology expertise do you have? How about work or travel
experience abroad, which many companies in the global marketplace
today consider a plus? Do you speak any foreign languages or
have broad understanding of other cultures? Have you won any
professional or company awards that demonstrate excellence
in your field, innovation or commitment to the bottom line?
- Recruiter questions: Make a list of questions you
may be asked and practice answering them so your thoughts are
organized when you walk in for the interview. You may want
to tape-record or videotape your answers and play them back
to ensure that your voice is clear and modulated and your body
language conveys a confident, poised manner.
Here are some questions frequently asked by recruiters:
Q: SO TELL ME A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF.
This depends on how much time has been allotted
for the interview. In general, however, be concise in recounting
your early background and focus on facts that may be relevant
to the job. You can always elaborate in later answers.
Q: WHY DO YOU WANT TO COME WORK FOR US? WHAT DO YOU HAVE
TO OFFER THAT OTHER CANDIDATES DON'T?
This is where a sharp analysis of your skills
and accomplishments and a thorough understanding of the company
will come in handy.
Q: GEE, YOU'VE MOVED AROUND A LOT, HAVEN'T YOU?
With today's workplace in constant flux, people
do move around more these days. Explain that you moved up with
each position, learning new skills that you would now like to
bring to the current job. You want to communicate to the recruiter
that you'll be a loyal employee if the company invests in you.
A useful guide for answering such questions is "The Interview
Kit: How to Answer Over 500 Tough Interview Questions" by
Richard H. Beatty. published by John Wiley & Sons.
Your own questions Based on your research, draw up and memorize
a list of questions you'd like to ask the interviewer that display
your understanding of the company. They might include questions
such as, "I know you've been growing by 10% each year and adding
new product lines.Do you anticipate that this level of growth
will continue, and if so, what does that mean for the company
and its employees?"
Determine your ideal and minimum salary requirements Ask yourself
what you'd like to earn and what you'd settle for if the job
is offered. Also figure out how much you currently make (or
made at your last job). And don't limit yourself to thinking
about only the salary. It's the whole package that matters.
Remember, the whole package--which it includes sick leave, vacation,
health care, pension plans, profit sharing, bonuses, subsidized
lunches and all other perks -- is generally worth about 40% of
your salary. So don't underestimate its value. If you're not
sure what your last package was, call the human resources department
at your previous job and ask them
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