What are three things you should know before heading out to an interview?
- Know about the company.
- Know why you want to interview them.
- Know why they ought to interview you.
Learn about the Company
Let’s get down to basics. Do your homework before interviewing. If you’re short on time, check the prospective employer’s web site. If you have the luxury of more time and the company’s track record is good enough to merit space in business journals or business publications online, go there. Read for information that describes their core business and business strategy; where they’re going and how they intend to get there. If they are a publicly traded company there is a wealth of information in the materials provided to investors, including podcasts of their quarterly results. The company’s providing you the information you need to interview intelligently by asking good, relevant questions.
Why interview with them?
- Where’s the match?
- What can they offer you that reinforces your strengths and furthers your professional goals?
Why should they interview you?
- Find out what they need and why they need it.
- Make your case by linking your experience and expertise to the challenge they present and the direction they are taking.
- Organize your presentation around a proven track record of accomplishment.
Remember, they don’t know that you can do the job, you have to explain how your history of experience matches with their need. Take the time to know these three things before you interview — and practice!
