Preparing for the Interview

Research: Six Important Sources of Helpful Information

--Web Pages
Start by checking the company's web page (if they have one). This will give you valuable information that may include what the firm does, when it was founded, the number of employees, names of key players and projections for future growth and expansion.

--Online Searches
Most online services have business reference sections where applicants can download reams of information about a company's history, product line and profits. When the recruiter winds down and asks if you have any questions, you should be prepared to ask intelligent ones that demonstrate your knowledge of the firm.

--The Public Library
Don't neglect your local library, which may have annual reports, company histories, biographies of its  founders, corporate rankings in sales and profits and other important information.

--Stockbrokers
If the company you're interested in is publicly traded, your stock broker (or your parents' stockbroker) will also have (or be able to get you) copies of a company's annual report and other important filings with the government.

--Networking
Network with friends and colleagues in similar positions and fields to learn the job security and salary growth prospects. Also network with people who already work at the company. What type of management style prevails? Is it informal and decentralized, or is it run by Type A's who get involved in every detail? Knowing this will give you insight into the company and let you know how your own personality will fit in with the corporate philosophy.

--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 salaries for the job you want. You should also ask whether employees are paid hourly, monthly or on commission, whether bonuses are reasonable and customary and what hours you are expected to work. Armed with this information, you will be in a good negotiating position when it comes time to discuss salary during the interview.

Assess your own skills
Sit down and assess your skills. Recruiters complain that many people applying for jobs don't take the time to think about their accomplishments and how to best communicate them in the interview. What computer and technology expertise do you have? How about work or travel experience abroad, which many companies in the global marketplace today consider a plus. Do you speak any foreign languages or have broad understanding of other cultures? Have you won any professional or company awards that demonstrate excellence in your field, innovation or commitment to the bottom line?

Recruiter questions
Make a list of questions you may be asked and practice answering them so your thoughts are organized when you walk in for the interview. You may want to tape-record or videotape your answers and play them back to ensure that your voice is clear and modulated and your body language conveys a confident, poised manner. Here are some questions frequently asked by recruiters:

Q: SO TELL ME A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF.
This depends on how much time has been allotted for the interview. In general, however, be concise in recounting your early background and focus on facts that may be relevant to the job. You can always elaborate in later answers.

Q: WHY DO YOU WANT TO COME WORK FOR US? WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO OFFER THAT OTHER CANDIDATES DON'T?
This is where a sharp analysis of your skills and accomplishments and a thorough understanding of the company will come in handy.

Q: GEE, YOU'VE MOVED AROUND A LOT, HAVEN'T YOU?
With today's workplace in constant flux, people do move around more these days. Explain that you moved up with each position, learning new skills that you would now like to bring to the current job. You want to communicate to the recruiter that you'll be a loyal employee if the company invests in you.

A useful guide for answering such questions is "The Interview Kit: How to Answer Over 500 Tough Interview Questions," by Richard H. Beatty. published by John Wiley & Sons.

Your own questions
Based on your research, draw up and memorize a list of questions you'd like to ask the interviewer that display your understanding of the company. They might include questions such as, "I know you've been growing by 10% each year and adding new product lines. Do you anticipate that this level of growth will continue, and if so, what does that mean for the company and its employees?"

Determine your ideal and minimum salary requirements
Ask yourself what you'd like to earn and what you'd settle for if the job is offered. Also figure out how much you currently make (or made at your last job). And don't  limit yourself to thinking about only the salary. It's the whole package that matters.

Remember, the whole package--which it includes sick leave, vacation, health care, pension plans, profit sharing, bonuses, subsidized lunches and all other perks -- is generally worth about 40% of your salary. So don't underestimate its value.  If you're not sure what your last package was, call the human resources department at your previous job and ask them.