The whole purpose of an
interview is for the employer to meet you, to get acquainted with
your professional background and experience, learn about your special
skill sets and qualifications, and of course, to see how you match up
with their organizational needs. You obviously have piqued their
interest with your resume, so now is not the time to disappoint them
by not paying proper, close attention to the important details
related to your interview appointment. Plus, this is the
opportunity for you to do your
homework, learn everything possible about their interview plans and
process, learn all about their firm and key people, and plan how you
will knock them over with your winning interview.
CONFIRM
THE DETAILS: DAY, DATE, TIME, LOCATION AND PEOPLE
It
should go without saying you must always confirm the details of your
interview appointment, but we have seen too many times candidates
missing their interviews because they did not think to confirm the
details. When called about your interview appointment, before getting
off the phone, confirm the exact day, date, time and location of the
interview. This includes the address and room where the interview
will take place.
Just
as important, confirm all of the names and titles of the person(s)
you will be meeting and a contact phone number should you require
additional information prior to your appointment. This is the ideal
time to learn who will be conducting your interview, the type of
interview they are planning and the expected duration of the
interview process so you can plan accordingly. Will you be expected
to meet other personnel? Who are they? Will there be multiple
interviews that day conducted separately by other key personnel? Who?
Where? How long? How many resumes should you bring along? Should you
take along sample materials so you can leave it with them? How many
copies should you make? These are all important questions you need to
have answered so you can take away any surprises that might crop up.
In the likelihood
your first interview will be by telephone, make absolutely sure they
have the correct phone number to call you and you have theirs in the
event you should become disconnected during the interview. Just as
important, ensure you will be in a location that is completely
private and that you will not have any disturbances or interruptions
of any kind while you are on the phone. You do want any unbecoming or
unprofessional background noise (children playing, dog barking,
colleagues walking in and out of your office, etc.). It also goes
without saying that should you have a telephone interview, you should
never be driving in your car. Find a quiet remote location to park
with no distractions.
RESEARCH
THE ORGANIZATION
Now
is the best time to conduct your research on the organization and
after confirming your interview appointment plans, you now
know the names and titles of the key people you will be meeting –
the very ones whom you need to impress and win over to land the job.
Get to know everything you possibly can about the firm, its key
personnel, management and the interviewers.
It
seems overly simplistic, but ask your self what kind of business is
this firm? What do they do and what are they most noted for? You
would be surprised how many candidates have no clue about the
organization with whom they are interviewing with, and it places them
at a distinct disadvantage in the competition. What is the stock
price? Where is the headquarters? Are there any regional offices?
Where? Who are their clients? What is their reputation in the
marketplace? How many employees? What is their annual revenue?
Read the annual
report from the past three years to familiarize your self about the
core nature of their business, earnings and revenues, and future
plans. This will help you prepare to answer questions related to how
you see yourself fitting into their organization. In fact, why are
you applying for this position? What do you envision you will do for
this firm and where do you want to fit in? What do you have to offer
and contribute? Who will you be working for and where? Is the
interviewer your prospective boss? What are the future plans of the
company/division where you will
be working?
Finally,
read the posted job description if you have not already. If you have
not, ask for a copy of it when you confirm your interview
appointment. Knowing the details of the job description will prepare
you to intelligently address the qualifications and requirements of
the position.
TRAVEL PLANS: GET
A MAP AND PLAN YOUR TRAVEL ROUTE
If
you are meeting at the prospective employer's office, which is
generally the case, take time beforehand to confirm the location on a
map, obtain driving directions and the best route to use for the time
and day you are traveling to the appointment. If possible, drive the
route days before so you are familiar with it and the traffic
congestion at that time of day. This will help you to know for
certain how much time you need to allow yourself to travel and arrive
with time to spare. Ask yourself where you will park; is parking free
or paid? Covered or uncovered? This might be important on a stormy
day. How far will you need to walk from the parking lot to the office
and how long will it take you? If possible, doing some reconnaissance
days beforehand so you will not be surprised about how long it may
take. After all, you do not want to be late for your job interview,
ever. It will not only make a bad first impression, it may take you
out of contention before you ever have the chance to sell your
qualifications.
OUT
OF TOWN TRAVEL
Likewise,
if you are traveling from out of town for the interview put in the
same effort as you would at home by doing your reconnaissance
beforehand. If possible, arrive into town the day before a morning
interview (it allows you to be rested and better prepared) so you
will have time to get your bearings. Always check and double-check
your travel arrangements, including air, hotel and rental car
reservations. Get a map and ask for driving directions if necessary.
Be absolutely sure you know where you are going and how long it will
take you to get there from your hotel.
If
you are traveling into town, it is advisable to arrive the day before
to acclimate yourself to the surroundings, region, climate (higher
elevation in some cases) and to help you feel rested and ready to go
the following day. You certainly want to be your freshest, sharpest
self so it only stands to reason you need to prepare yourself in
every way possible, including getting into town early. After
traveling far distances and over a long time, you will not be at your
best, so avoid such an interview appointment at all costs.
CHECK
THE WEATHER FORECAST
Also,
it is advisable you check the weather forecast regularly. If it rains
or is exceptionally windy (any foul weather) you want to be properly
prepared to weather the elements. Carry an umbrella, overcoat, hat,
gloves and scarf if necessary. You want to be sure that when you
arrive at your interview appointment you are still well
dressed and properly groomed, so it is worth taking every ounce of
precaution against inclement weather. Should you encounter foul
weather, then make sure you have extra time upon your arrival to use
the restroom to freshen up and take a good look in the mirror so you
will look sharp. Reconnaissance can prepare you for this situation as
well.
Hopefully
useful.
