Interview Preparation

While all elements of the job search process are important, this next step is often the difference between receiving an offer and receiving a thank you for applying letter. As with most things, preparation is the key to success in the interviewing process. Keep in mind you only have one chance to make a first impression which is why it’s important to invest significant time on preparing yourself for that interview.

How do you go about preparing for an interview? First, do your homework on the company your interviewing with, the position you’re interviewing for and if possible, the interviewer you’ll be talking with. You’ll find much of the information you need is available on the internet.

Visit the company’s corporate web site to find out information about the company. Other sources of information are annual reports, Dunn and Bradstreet, Hoover’s, Moody’s, as well as various association web sites that the company may be actively involved with (NHPCO for example). The local library is another good source of reference material to use.

If possible, try to find out information on your interviewer. If you know the individual’s name there are a variety of ways to find out information. For example, are they a member of linked in or another social/business networking site? You can also google their name to see if you have a match. Perhaps someone in your network knows the individual or someone in the company that works with the individual.

The more information you have about the company, the individual and the position; will make you that much more prepared for the interview and also separate you from others that will be interviewed. It’s also important to get a sense of the corporate culture which is best gotten by talking to current and former employees. While the web site can tell you what they want to be, talking with employees will tell you whether or not they follow through.

It’s also important to know what’s happening in the industry in general as well as trends. This information can be gained by visiting association web sites, trade journals, news releases, etc. Another vantage point can be gained by talking with someone associated with one of the competitors of the company you’re interviewing with.

The point is that the more you know the better the opportunity to weave some of this information in during the interview process to make you stand apart from others. It is also an effective tactic during the latter stages of the interview when the interviewer asks if you have any questions. A thoughtful question(s) can leave a lasting impression on the interviewer.