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Prepare
for the Interview
Also:
10 Tips to Help You Ace
the Interview and Get the Job,
How
to finesse your job interview, Answering
"Why Are You Looking For A New Job?"
The best way to ace your next job interview is to prepare
for it. This may sound obvious, but it’s not. Too many
applicants walk into an interview without knowing as much as
they should about the industry, the company and its
problems. Remember: You are there to solve a problem.
Otherwise, the company wouldn’t be hiring. Follow these
steps:
1.
Know the
company. Find out as much as you can about the position, the
company and its needs, so you can show how your background
meets those needs. Telephone the receptionist and ask for
copies of company brochures. Be friendly and professional on
the phone and when you go pick up those brochures. (A
receptionist who takes a liking to you can be one of your
most important allies in getting a job.) Whenever possible,
get a copy of the company’s annual report. Research the
company at your local library and on the Internet.
2.
Know
yourself. Mentally review the skills and character traits
you have that will help the company’s bottom line. Think in
terms of the value you can add to the position and the
company.
3.
Know your
job history. Mentally review your past achievements and be
prepared to describe your work experience in detail. Gather
letters of reference and samples of your work to present to
the interviewer as proof of your past accomplishments.
Practice describing your experience in terms of your
responsibilities and accomplishments at each job.
4.
Know the
questions. You can almost bet on being asked: “Tell me about
yourself.” Approach this from the employer’s point of view.
Ask yourself, “If I were hiring someone for this position,
what would I want to know?” Then answer those questions. And
be ready for tough ones, too. Think of the worst questions
you could be asked about your experience and abilities, then
prepare positive responses.
5.
Prepare
questions of your own. Employers are as interested in your
questions as they are in your answers. And they’ll react
favorably if you ask intelligent questions about the
position, the company and the industry. (Examples: Where
does this position fit into the company as a whole? Is there
any problem on this job with waste/accuracy/meeting quotas,
etc.? What is the largest single problem facing your staff
now?)
6.
Get the big
picture. Visualize the entire interview, from start to
finish. See yourself as performing with style and
confidence. How will the interview end? Will you get a job
offer or be called back for a second interview? How much
salary do you want? What kind of benefits? The research you
did in step 1 will give you an idea of what to expect. Be
ready for any eventuality.
Part 2 found here: Pharmaceutical
Sales Interview
Also:
10 Tips to Help You Ace
the Interview and Get the Job,
How
to finesse your job interview, Answering
"Why Are You Looking For A New Job?"
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