What are your steps in preparing for the job interview? As an employment coach, I provide job interview training for my clients, which has proven to be highly successful. My approach to job interview training is similar to the approach for any big event. It requires preparation, planning and practice. For the purposes of this article, we are going to shift our attention to preparation.
A very good friend of mine was in the running for two high level, high exposure positions in my community. Through his connections and his reputation, he was invited to interview for each position, and was considered a top choice for each going into the interview phase. Unfortunately, he did not prepare, plan and practice and his performances during the interviews reflected this. Although he had the skills and all qualifications required to excel in either job, he took the job interview training aspect too lightly and ended up on the outside looking in.
The first tactic to proper job interview training is to prepare for the interview. This means carefully researching the company. Most likely quite a bit of information will be provided on their website, but do not make the mistake of stopping there. If it is publicly traded, read the 10-K, which is the annual report filed to the Securities and Exchange Commission. Review press releases, news clippings and other information that may prove insightful about the company, its mission and how they serve their target audience. “Google” the company and see what is being said on the web and in the media by and about the company.
The common question here is, “What am I supposed to be looking for?” Any effective job interview training requires that you have a thorough understanding of the company. Discover its history. Know its roots. This will prove valuable in understanding the culture and how they operate. Through press releases and news articles, you will learn about successes and stumbling blocks. When companies make a mistake, it frequently makes the news. Learn how the company protects its image, what they do for the community, how long the executives have been at the helm. These are pieces to the puzzle to help you prepare appropriate questions to earn the trust and respect of your audience.
Interviews represent the employers narrowing the applicant pool to a manageable number of qualified candidates. The ball is now in your court to tell them what they need to know, which is to confirm that you know the company; that you know the position; that you have the skills, experience and sincere interest in performing the functions of the position for a long time. Having an open position puts various stresses on the company. The last thing they want to do is hire the wrong person and have to refill the slot a few months down the road.
Preparation is the first step. Next week, I’ll continue this job interview training segment by providing insights on how to use what you have learned to help you differentiate yourself from your competition to earn the job offer.
