Interview Strategies for Job Applicants: The Two Key Steps

Research: Six Important Sources of Useful Information

Websites: Start by looking at the company’s website.

Online Searches: Most online services have business reference sections where applicants can download reams of information about a company’s history, product line, and earnings.

The Public Library: Don’t neglect your public library which may have annual reports, company histories, biographies of their founders, corporate sales and earnings rankings and other important information.

Stockbrokers: If the company you are interested in is publicly traded, your stockbroker will also have copies of the company’s annual report and other important government filings.

Networking: Network with friends and colleagues in similar positions and fields to learn about job security and salary growth prospects.

Trade Associations: Talk to professional associations, a valuable resource because they conduct salary surveys of their members and can tell you the high and low wages for the job you want.

Assess your own skills: Recruiters complain that many job applicants don’t take the time to think about their accomplishments and how to best communicate them in the interview.

Recruiter Questions: Make a list of questions you may be asked and practice answering them so your thinking is organized when you arrive at the interview.

Your own questions: Based on your research, create and memorize a list of questions you’d like to ask the interviewer that show your understanding of the company.

Determine your ideal and minimum salary requirements: Ask yourself how much you’d like to earn and what you’d settle for if you were offered the job (don’t just think about the salary, it’s the whole package that counts).

The Real Interview: Selling Yourself

First impressions are crucial – be well groomed and look professional.

Confidence and Body Language – Appear confident and relaxed during the interview and use humor when appropriate, especially to defuse inappropriate or touchy questions.

The pace: let the interviewer set the pace, don’t interrupt or ask questions (you don’t want to come across as too aggressive).

Be Enthusiastic – Enthusiasm is often the important factor in hiring; they want team players, but also someone who comes with new ideas and enthusiasm.

Speaking of money: While salary may be foremost on their minds, remember the cardinal rule of negotiation: never, ever bring up the subject of money until they do. If the interview is winding down and money hasn’t been mentioned yet, it’s okay to say “Can you give me an idea of ​​what the salary range might be?” If the employer names a low figure, explain that you know that people in your profession are paid X to Y and that, with your skills and experience, you would of course want to be paid near the top of that scale.

Repeat, repeat, reiterate: As you wave goodbye, repeat the key message that you want the job. A good approach is to say, “Steve, you’ve given me a great picture of ABC Company and that confirms in my mind that ABC Company is still my first choice. Working for you is something I’d really like to do. Thank you.” for taking the time to meet with me. If there is any other information you need, please call me.”

Closing the deal: If you get to the point in the interview where you’ve agreed to the money, don’t walk away with such excited eyes that you forget to put it in writing.

Interview Follow-up: Send a short thank you card after the interview, even if you don’t get the job, to remind the recruiter of your availability.