Whatever job you’re interviewing for, there are four things you absolutely must read before the interview:
- Your application for the job – the resume and cover letter, exactly as submitted
- The job description
- The company website
- The interviewer’s profile
An interview is a conversation with a specific purpose. These four elements are the foundation of a successful conversation with a hiring manager about a role and your ability to do it. Each one is essential; review them all just before the interview so the information is fresh in your mind.
1. Your application for the job – the resume and cover letter, exactly as submitted
Review every word so you’re ready to speak to any point on your resume, if asked. Be prepared to explain the benefits your accomplishments will bring to the prospective employer. If you’ve modified the resume to emphasize experience most relevant to the particular job, be sure you are working off the same page, literally, as the one you sent the interviewer. Bring a copy to the interview.
2. The job description
Determine which are the critical aspects of the job, and the key qualifications/experience required to do them well. If you can articulate this accurately, the interviewer will see that you “get” what the role is about and understand what is really important. Better yet, demonstrate this with answers that prove you will deliver what’s needed, and how you’ve done so before.
3. The company website
It’s critical to find out everything you can about the company and industry. The website is the first place to go, but don’t stop there. Google for information about the organization – what’s in the news? Ask your contact/s in this area about the company and context in which it operates, e.g. what are the challenges and opportunities? The better informed you are, the richer your conversation will be; you can ask questions that impress and engage the interviewer and give you more information to build on in the interview. The knowledge you gain, whether on your own or from the interview, will also help you decide if this is the right job for you.
4. The interviewer’s profile
You can learn about the interviewer’s background from the company website, Google, LinkedIn, or asking people who know her or him. The recruiter or human resources contact may tell you about the interviewer’s style (e.g. degree of formality) or approach (e.g. the types of questions you may be asked). If you know what to expect, you’ll be more comfortable and less likely to get caught off guard. You can prepare to address issues that might be of particular interest or concern to the interviewer. If you’ve discovered common interests or alma maters, there may be an appropriate time and reason to bring these into the conversation.
If you want to excel in your next interview, I’m ready to prepare you to do that. You can reach me at (647) 464-3429 or email .