 | BEFORE THE INTERVIEW: |
Research the company that you are seeking employment from. So many candidates skip this step, feeling that is unnecessary unless they get a job there. Wrong! Make the effort to make the difference. One of the first things that an employer wants to know is “Why should I hire YOU over all the other candidates?” Hiring decisions are often 65% presentation and 35% skills, knowledge and experience. Presentation includes preparation.
- Know the company you want to work for. When was the company formed and who founded, established or created the company? What challenges are they currently facing or being affected by in the industry? Where is the industry/company heading in the long term?
- What are their Core Values, Mission Statement, Creed and Principles? What is the corporate or working culture of the company? What is the current status of the company’s profitability and growth? Who are their main competitors?
- Have they been in the news recently? Check the Press Release section of their website or just search the company online by name to see what pops up.
- What is their philosophy on hiring employees? Do they have a management intern or leadership development program?
- Research and find a job description of the job position you have applied for. For example: Program Manager is very vague and often has a ‘standard’ job description. Search: Human Resources Program Manager or IT Program Manager. These will be two very different Program Manager job descriptions.
- Print out at least two copies of your resume on bond 70-pound weight - ivory, off-white or very subtle gray paper. Artistic and creative careers can use more dynamic paper and designs.
- Practice interview etiquette: firm and steady handshake, comfortable smile, posture standing and sitting and leg placement. It is important to maintain your posture, even when sitting on a sofa or in a chair, as a too relaxed appearance does not read well in an interview.
- Know your resume. Be able to answer questions and back up the information on your resume – specifically, the accomplishments or achievements portion.
- Be ready to address your career goals and keep them within the range of the possible potential of the position you are interviewing for.
- Develop answers to the question, “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”
- Be able to answer the question “Why should I hire you?”
- Always dress professionally, which usually means business suit attire. If you are unsure whether your dress will be appropriate, call the human resources department for guidance about the appropriate interview dress – casual or formal. It is always better to overdress than to under dress.
- Write down adjectives that represent how you want the interviewer to see you, for example: Hardworking, Goal-oriented, Leader, Dedicated, Focused, Great Motivator or Energetic.
- PRACTICE and then PRACTICE some more!
If you're ready to have us craft a job-winning resume that communicates your value, click here to get started. When you submit this initial form, you will be asked to select a date and time for your complimentary consultation.
A Platinum Resume, LLC
Kara Varner, MAOM, CPRW
Aplatinumresume.com
719-339-2659
A Platinum Resume, LLC
Kara Varner, MAOM, CPRW
Aplatinumresume.com
719-339-2659
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