Lights, Camera, Interview

So you have the interview. Now what? There are literally thousand of books and websites covering resumes and cover letters. The interview, the most important part in the job seeking process tends to be more hit or miss. However, it shouldn't be.

One of the biggest mistakes job seekers often make is not researching the company before the interview. Recently I spoke with a friend who had been contacted by an employer. The employer wanted him to submit ten questions about the company. He didn't know what to do. He wanted me to write the questions for him. I was reminded of something I had heard from an Human Resource Director. Do some homework.

Thorough research will reveal not only what positions are available and what type of employee the company wants, but important information about the company itself. Today with the internet researching even the smallest company is a matter of a few key stokes on a search engine. Also, helpful, and often more personal, is contacting professional organizations the company is associated with, and speaking with current or former employees you know who work at the company about their experience. No matter what method you use, research is vital both during your initial job search and prior to interviewing.

Sometimes because of the necessity for money, bills and other obligations job seekers end up with positions for which their personalities are not best suited. This can be very frustrating particularly if you have passed up other opportunities. Why does this happen?

Many job seekers know their skills and experience, but are hampered by an inability to articulate their specific needs and desires. Companies are hiring because they either need to solve problems or have opportunities that require more employees, which is why the best applicants are those who can articulate how their experience is best for the particular position. Here again is a benefit of research. Write a list of the things you liked (and disliked) about previous positions. Use this list to both "screen" classifieds and potential employers during the interview process.