PREPARING FOR AN INTERVIEW:

Just as in learning any skill, successful interviewing requires preparation and practice. This is not the best time to try and “wing it.” A successful interview is very much like a sales encounter. If you want to appear that you want the position for which you are interviewing, then you must demonstrate your interest by finding out everything you can about the company and the position before the actual interview.

The kinds of things you should know about the company include:

• How long has the company existed?

• What services does the company provide or what products does it make?

• Who are their major competitors?

• What divisions or subsidiaries exist?

• What is the parent company?

• What geographic areas are covered?

• How many people are employed by the company?

• What are the company's assets and earnings?

• Does the company have any international operations?

The kinds of things you should learn about the interview itself include:

• If possible, know and be able to pronounce the name of the interviewer

• Find out what you can about the format and length of the interview

• Will you meet with a panel?

• Will you meet with several people individually?

• Will you have a lunch meeting?

• Be certain you have clear and precise directions to the interview site (a trial run ahead of time can save you the potentially fatal embarrassment of arriving late).

Create a list of your strengths. From your research of the company and the industry, refine your list of strengths into three to five attributes that a company might want in an employee. Be ready to offer evidence through scenarios and stories. It’s up to you to market the connection of your skills to their requirements. Also knowing your “learning edges” and speaking confidently about how you approach challenge is important.