...by Jimmy Sweeney
Job Interview "Secret"
Suppose you're looking for a job as the manager of a retail stationery store. Or you have your eye on a position as an executive assistant in a law firm or a sales representative for a shoe manufacturer. Whatever profession attracts you, you will enhance your chance of landing the job you want if you research the company––before the interview. Decide now to learn as much as you can about the organization. Then show up on time for the interview, prepared and eager to talk specific details.
HOW to do your research
1. Visit the company's web site for a description, purpose statement, and details about the organization and its mission. Also do a Google or Yahoo search for articles and reviews about the firm you're targeting.
2. Consult the Thomas Register of American Manufacturers or other source available at your public library.
3. Make a list of items you want to know about, including: benefits, history, advancement opportunities, financial status, leadership, community involvement, strategic plans/goals.
4. Call the human resources department of the company for which you'll be
interviewed and ask for company brochures, new employee packets, etc.
5. Consult publications such as Forbes, Fortune, Business Week, Wall Street Journal and others for their 'best of' and 'worst of' lists that provide unbiased
information about a variety of companies.
The better prepared you are the more confident you'll feel while talking with the hiring manager––and the better he or she will feel about you for having taken the time to learn about the company.
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Jimmy Sweeney is the president of CareerJimmy and author of the brand new "Secret Career Document" job landing system.