Getting Prepared
Think Like an Employer
All the hard work of your job search has just paid off: You've been offered an interview. Now it’s time to intensify your efforts.
Preparation has been key to your success so far, and it is especially important to a successful interview.
Start by thinking like an employer.
What Employers Want
Knowing the kind of information an employer is likely to seek will help you prepare for the interview.
Employers want to know your motivation for employment, your ability to do the job, how you will fit into the organization and how much you will cost them.
Being able to answer probing questions in these areas will make for a successful interview. While you already have some information about the employer, you may need to do further research in preparation for the interview.
It's to your advantage to know as much as you can about the job before that first interview. It will help you to target your skills to the specific needs of the employer and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the job. It shows that you're serious about employment.
Employers have limited information from which to make a decision: an application or resume, references and a brief interview. It's up to you to convince the employer you're the best person for the job.
All employers are looking for people who want to work. Most jobs require basic skills related to the specific job. For instance, a computer operator should know computer systems, an accountant understands accounting principles, and a welder must be proficient in welding applications.
In order to have a successful interview, the computer operator needs to know the type of equipment and programs used. The accountant would want to find out which accounting system is used. The welder needs to know the different types of materials to be welded and the applications necessary to perform the welds.
Preparing for the Interview
Jack received a call from an employer regarding an accounting position. His efforts have paid off. They want to schedule an interview.
While Jack is on the phone scheduling the interview, he inquires about the responsibilities of the position and asks the employer to send a position description and corporate report.
Preparing for the interview, Jack studies these documents. He finds additional information at the library and on the Internet. Jack writes down the skills and qualifications he believes the employer will be seeking. Then he considers how his qualifications match those needs.
He is encouraged to discover that he meets eight out of the 10 major requirements. For the two that are a weak match, Jack spends additional time preparing for how he will address his deficiency.
Jack organizes his portfolio for the interview. With the help of a friend, Jack sets up a mock interview where he practices answers to common interview questions using his portfolio.
His portfolio includes company research, his resume, the position description, the corporate report, a personal assessment, performance reviews, pertinent diplomas, degrees, transcripts, certificates and letters of recommendation.
At the back of the portfolio he includes a note pad, and a task/skills comparison to close the interview.
During the interview there are no surprises. Jack is relaxed and confident. He anticipated the needs of the organization and is prepared to answer each question, even questions in those areas where his qualifications are weak.
Occasionally, he refers to his portfolio where he has the marked-up position description, corporate report and his notes. He offers his references, the task/skills comparison and copies of supporting documents from his portfolio at the end of the interview.
Jack is on the path to success. He is doing all he can to succeed and ultimately his efforts will pay off.
Your efforts will pay off, too. Here are some basic things you should remember before you head off to your interview:
- Find out the parking availability and directions to the employer
- Note the business address and telephone number
- Note the name of the person you are to meet
- Bring a notebook, black pen and tissues
- Review questions you can ask in the interview
- Bring your personal business card
- Bring your application or personal data record and letters of recommendation
- Bring money for gas, public transportation, telephone calls and parking
- Bring your social security card and driver's license or state picture identification