The second most important tool for your job search tool box is the Job Interview. This page provides tips that can help you nail the interview and get the job. If you'd like help with your resume, visit Resume Writing Tips. For more information on conducting a successful job search, see Employment And Christian Finances. These best-selling Job Interview Books can help you prepare.
1. Research your potential employer:
Check the Internet, the stock history, the BBB, consumer reports, County
Courthouse, your State licensing boards and any other source for objective
information on your potential employer. You want to get information you
can use at the interview to show you're interested in more than how much they
pay. What is their share of the market? Are they having trouble with
their suppliers, customers, employees? Do they participate in their
community activities or sponsor children's sports, etc? Make notes of
everything you discover.
2. Research their main competitors, suppliers and customers in the same
way. How does your potential employer compare with their competitors?
Are they gaining or losing ground? Make notes.
3. Visit your potential employer's facility
and talk with a few of their employees. Are they happy with their
work? What kind of training programs are they involved in? Do they
get opportunities to offer suggestions to improve their company? How do
they receive recognition for exceptional work? Make notes.
4. Call a few of their customers (if
possible), let them know you're considering working for their supplier and would
like to know their impression of the company. Make notes.
5. Consider all the information you gathered in steps 1-4 above.
List 3 things that impress you about the company. List 3 things that
concern you. List any areas you discovered where you feel your skills or
experience can benefit the company.
6. Get as many common
interview questions as you can find, plan your answers to those questions and
have a friend interview you until you answer all questions smoothly and
politely. Less than 10% of job seekers ever practice
interviewing...it makes a difference.
1. Tell me what experience you
have that you feel qualifies you to do this job?
2. What training or education
do you have that has given you the skills to do the work?
3. Describe some goals you
have set for yourself and how you measure your progress.
4. Why did you leave your
previous company? (Never criticize former employers
or co-workers. Think of the most optimistic (and true) reason you can give
and leave it at that. If you've been fired for cause, it's best to reveal
that and deal with it here.)
5. When I
follow-up with your previous employers, is there anything you feel one of them
may tell me that you'd like to explain? (If
you've had a serious problem that was documented, it's best to be forthcoming
about it and deal with it in a positive fashion.)
6. Describe what steps you
would take to resolve a problem with a co-worker?
7. Why do you want to work for
this company?
8. What special things can you
tell me about yourself that sets you apart from others? (This
is an opportunity to discuss awards, volunteer work, special achievements, etc.)
9. Describe a mistake you made
in the past and what you did to account for it and recover.
10. Describe the compensation
you feel would be reasonable for your work. Pay, benefits, etc.
(be
careful with this one...too high and they won't hire you...too low and they will
feel you don't think very highly of your skills. This is where your
research can help.)
11. Do you have any questions for me? (If you've done your research,
you should have a couple questions that have to do with the operation of the
company. Don't ask about sick leave, vacation or retirement. If you
didn't find out in another way and if it isn't you're only question, it's OK to
ask for a description of the compensation package.)
12. Is there anything you'd
like to add to what we've discussed? (If you've done your
research, this is an opportunity bring up some of the things that you
discovered. It's also a good time to correct or add to any answers you
gave to previous questions.)
1. Always send a thank you
note addressed to the specific person who conducted the interview. Keep it
simple, but mention the position, your name and your thanks for the
opportunity. If you remember something specific the person said that
impressed you, it could impress them if you mentioned it.
2. See
Employment And Christian
Finances for more post-interview advice.
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