Preparation for the Interview
Preparation is the first essential step towards a successful interview. Interviewers are continually amazed at the number of candidates who have not prepared and possess little or no information about the company. Ensure that you know the exact location and time of the interview, the interviewer's full name, the correct pronunciation and the title held. Find out specific facts about the company - where its plants, offices or stores are located, what its products and services are, what its growth has been, and what its growth potential is for the future. There are a number of research publications providing this kind of information. Among the most helpful are:
- Company Annual Reports
- Company Website
- Library
- Stock Exchange Research Handbook
- The internet
Refresh your memory on the facts and figures of your PRESENT/FORMER employer. You will be expected to know a lot about a company that you have previously worked for.
Prepare the questions you will ask and remember that an interview is a 'two-way-street'. The interviewer will try to determine through questioning if you have the qualifications necessary to do the job and that you are interested in their role and organisation. You must determine through questioning whether the company will provide the opportunity for growth and development that you seek.
Probing questions you might ask:
- A detailed description of the position?
- Reason the position is available?
- Culture of the company?
- Anticipated induction and training programme?
- What sort of people have done well?
- Advanced training programmes available for those who demonstrate outstanding ability?
- Company growth plans?
- Challenges facing the company both currently and in the future?
- Best-selling products or services?
- The next step?
Dress in smart business attire. Don't wear casual clothes even if you know it is the company policy.
