Preparation is the first essential step towards a successful interview. Clients are continually amazed at the number of candidates who have not prepared and possess little or no information about the company.
Be Meticulous
This is where so many people drop the ball. Its inexcusable in this day in age not to do your homework. Let's start with the obvious stuff. Study the heck out of their website, the about us section, press releases. Learn who the key players are. Google the company, the individual who will interview you as well as the key players - you never know when one of them might join you in the interview. Better be prepared. Know who their competitors are (who knows, that might even create another opportunity for you). Look for things that enable you to get inside the head of your interviewer such as a blog, discussions on Linkedin etc...
1. The Basics
Ensure that you know the exact location and time of interview, the interviewer's full name, the correct pronunciation and title held.
2. Fact-finding
Find out specific facts about the company – where its offices are located; what its products and services are; what its growth has been; and what its growth potential is for the future.
3. Refresh your memory
Refresh your memory on the facts and figures of your PRESENT/FORMER employer. You will be expected to know a lot about a company that you have previously worked for.
4. What will you ask them?
Prepare the questions you will ask and remember that an interview is a 'two-way street'. The interviewer will try to determine through questioning if you have the qualifications necessary to do the job. You must determine through questioning whether the company will provide the opportunity for growth and development that you seek.
Probing questions you might ask
(a) A detailed description of the position?
(b) Reason the position is available?
(c) Culture of the company?
(d) Anticipated induction and training programme?
(e) What sort of people have done well?
(f) Advanced training programmes available for those who demonstrate outstanding availability?
(g) Company growth plans?
(h) Best-selling products or services?
(i) The next step?