Interviewing: Be Prepared
This is the first post in the eBranding Me original mini-series, “Interviewing: Be Prepared, Be Dressed and Be Consistent.” This three post series provides eBranding Me readers with valuable interview advice for successfully arranging and participating in an interview for an open position.
You can find all of the posts, organized for your convenience, here. Subscribe via email and/or RSS.
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Everyone grows up being taught, “Practice makes perfect.” Well, in regards to employment, preparation leads to success. This post outlines three key steps a job seeker must take during the interview process to stay one step ahead of his or her competition.
Research
“Prior to your interview, conduct research on the company and the specific position for which you are applying” (Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success). The more prepared a job applicant is for the interviewer’s questions, the more confident he or she will present themselves – providing an advantage for them over the other candidates.
Furthermore, the growth of online professional social networks has allowed for job seekers to learn a good deal about their interviewer’s background prior to the first meeting. Displaying this knowledge during the interview in casual conversation displays the ability to conduct research and proactively achieve tasks – a characteristic all employers strive for in their workers.
Questions
All career coaches and interview guides insist the interviewee prepare questions to ask of the organization during the interview to show genuine interest in the open position. Targeting these questions for the specific industry, company and open position are essential. However, eBranding Me would like to share some generic questions.
Questions You May Ask the Interviewer
- Does your company have any plans for expansion?
- What type of formal training does your company offer?
- What is the greatest challenge your industry is currently facing?
- What is the next step in the interview process?
- What are the required work days and hours of the position?
Questions You Should NOT Ask During an Interview
- How much does this job pay?
- How many sick days do I get?
- What benefits will I get?
- What does your company do?
- How long does it take for someone to get fired for poor performance?
- Adopted from Lydia E. Anderson and Sandra B. Bolt’s textbook, Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success (Second Edition)
Resources
Being prepared for your interview requires more than researching the company, open position, and interviewer. Most interviews are conducted by numerous employees from various departments who may or may not have been forwarded your resume and cover letter in advance. That’s why an interviewee should come prepared with multiple copies of both.
In addition, for job applicants who are currently unemployed and endlessly attending networking events, eBranding Me highly recommends purchasing “calling cards.” Similar to that of the standard business card, a calling card highlights key contact information for an individual, without affiliating oneself with any particular organization or position. Calling cards may act as a key takeaway to differentiate a candidate from other potential employees.
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