Job interviews

Research and preparation

Regardless of the type of interview you may be attending, you should make sure you are fully prepared by researching the job, the company, and the industry to which you're applying. Knowledge of these factors will help you answer questions more appropriately. It's also very likely you'll stand apart from other candidates if you invest a little time learning more more about the employer. Employers are impressed by candidates who can demonstrate they've done some research, know something about the organization and the position for which they're applying, and can effectively match their skills and abilities with the employer's needs.

It's best to research an employer before you apply for a vacant position within his or her organization. The information you gather will help you better target your application. For example, if you've read something particularly impressive in a recent magazine article, you could write in your cover letter:

I'm committed to building positive business relationships and it's important to me to work in an organization that upholds the principles of service and accountability. Having read in Business Venture Magazine that ABC Company was named among Ontario's Top Five Service Companies for the third consecutive year, I'm even more enthusiastic about becoming a Customer Support Representative and joining your service-oriented team.

If you haven't researched a company before applying, be sure to do so before the interview. It will increase your confidence going into the interview and you will feel better able to answer such questions as "What do you know about our company?" or "How do you feel you can directly contribute to our organization?" or even "What aspects of our products/services/work encouraged you to apply for this position?"

There are a number of ways you can research a company, including:

• Reviewing a company's profile in an employer directories. Employer directories are usually available at public libraries and at campus or university career centers.
• Exploring a company's corporate Web site
• Requesting that a company send you its annual report, brochures, sales material or other company literature
• Reading articles in business magazines, trade journals, or professional publications will often tell you about innovations the company has spearheaded, projects it has launched, awards and recognition it has received, areas of growth and decline within the company and within the industry, and other relevant information. Sometimes magazines will publish lists of fastest-growing companies. These lists are also helpful.
• Joining a professional or trade association. This will allow you network with others in the industry, make valuable contacts, and learn about companies, trends in the industry, and the labor market for the particular field or industry to which you're applying.
• Attending trade shows, open houses or other presentations in which the company is involved
• Asking questions of an employee within the company, if you know anyone who works there. Be careful with this—you should choose someone who has a certain level of seniority within the company and someone who is well respected by his or her colleagues.

As indicated above, there are not only print and electronic resources to help you learn about a company; you can also learn about an employer by talking to various people who work for or who have worked for that organization. You can also talk to people who have a connection to that employer. You may also want to consider contacting the employer directly, either by phone, letter or e-mail. To best prepare for this, you will want to:

• Carefully plan what you want to write or say
• Anticipate and plan for various responses
• Prepare a list of questions about the position and the organization

When calling an employer, remember that the impression you make may determine whether you are screened out or short listed when you apply. The information an employer gathers about you during an initial inquiry will impact upon his or her impression of you. Be sure to make a good first impression.