Let’s face it. A well-crafted resume can only get a job seeker as far as an interview with a prospective employer. Beyond that, how a candidate conducts oneself during the job interview is crucial to getting the dream job (or the next paycheque).
Now by conduct, I am not referring to how one should dress or behave during the interview. It is essentially what you, the candidate, will discuss or how you will present yourself. Job interviews are all about presenting your case as in how and why you are the right candidate for the job.
A job interview is also an opportunity to find out if the organization is the right fit for you.
In either case, it is paramount to research the company before the interview. Many career advice articles talk about the importance of asking the interviewer relevant questions and often include sample questions to ask potential interviewers. Researching and being well informed about the company prior to an interview give perspective about the job opportunity and can also help sooth the pre-interview jitters to some extent. Look at it this way; a well-informed job seeker can turn an interview into a smooth flowing conversation instead of a one-sided quiz.
So how does one conduct pre-interview company research? The most obvious start would be the organisation’s website and its LinkedIn profile. These can be used to assess the size of the company, current job openings and its mission statement. Next come the search engines. Look for press releases, news reports or articles that can shed light on the firms’ market reputation, financial standing, new products or services, layoffs or expansions. Also it doesn’t hurt to learn about the competition.
The idea is to use information to seal the deal; to identify opportunities or challenges, that you, as an employee can help address. While it is important to carefully listen and respond to interview questions, not asking the hiring manager or the interviewer questions is an admission of lack of attention. It not only demonstrates lack of interest and preparation on behalf of the interviewee but it is also a wasted opportunity to highlight one’s skills and interest in contributing towards the company’s success.
First published at TalentOyster.com, an online diversity job board connecting new immigrants and job seekers with employers open to diversity in the Canadian workplace.
Reba Shahid 