How to Prepare for a Job Interview

Arriving at a job interview unprepared can mean the difference between being hired and receiving a rejection letter. The lack of preparation can be detrimental to anyone's job search and can lead to many unsuccessful attempts to obtain employment. Here are a few steps on how to prepare for a job interview.

First, research on the company and the job opportunity. Be sure to fully understand the company's product and/or services, the markets they serve, and their competitive position within that market. The company's website, Hoovers.com, and Zoominfo.com are great places to start in obtaining detailed information about a company and their organization structure. Reread the job description and understand the goals of the position. Ask yourself questions such as; "Is there a requirement that you will have a problem meeting or criteria that calls for experience that you do not have?" Identify the challenge areas first and work up responsive answers that show you have given these issues real thought and have possible solutions to your inexperience.

Second, contact your references and let them know that your have an upcoming interview and to ensure that they are available to give a reference if contacted. Remind them of any key accomplishments or achievements you want them to take into account and ask them to call you once they are contacted. This will give you an indication of the hiring manager's interest. Make sure that you have maintained a good standing with all of your references. You would be surprised on how far a good reference can go in nailing down that job.

get that job!

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