I have noticed with many clients that I coach on interview
preparation that most are not familiar with the companies
they are interested in working for. This makes it very
difficult for the clients to accurately prepare for a
position they know little about. In order to decide on a
move that will benefit your long-term career plans and
immediate position gratification research is your best
course of action.
Going to an interview without doing your research puts you
at a clear disadvantage. Research can be used as a perfect
opportunity to impress your interviewer or as a way to
build rapport at the onset of the interview. It can
leverage your salary negotiations by letting the employer
know that you are aware of their corporate pay scale and
what the job position is really worth to them.
In larger companies, the person who writes the ad for the
position is usually not related to the department or unit
in need of additional staff. The description may not be as
accurate or effectively written as it should be and by
researching the facility you can be prepared when
communicating with your possible future employer.
After accepting the new position you will spend a large
part of everyday with the people in your area or
department. Have you checked into the atmosphere or culture
of the company? What is the general employee attitude
towards the company? Many resources for larger companies
are available on the internet that provides yearly ratings
on the best industries, jobs, and companies.
Sites providing a ranking of size and likeability of the
companies can be found at www.fortune.com. For listings on
first-rate jobs within the U.S. Government try
www.bestplacetowork.org. Individual states and many larger
cities develop lists that are posted on their sites
boasting their best companies including
www.columbus.about.com. For smaller sized companies the
www.greatplacestowork.com may be helpful.
Another way to discovering more about the companies you are
interested in is by looking up articles written on the
company of interest or the desired industry. It is a great
way to learn more about the company written by others than
the company on all areas of the company structure, future
plans, and successes, and their competitors which can be
new companies to look into for possible employment.
A few other areas that require in-depth research to get a
true understanding and feel for the company you are
intending to interview are the corporate culture, hiring
practices, and even hours expected to work. It will help to
be familiar and in agreement with the work environment or
the philosophy of the company. It would be a waste of your
time and that of the company for you to go through the
process of getting your resume read, being asked to
interview, prepare and interview for the position, and
finally accept and start the job only to find out six
months down the line that you agree or feel comfortable
working with the existing management practices or company
policies.
Take the time to do your research before you agree to an
interview. During the interview look for signs of the
atmosphere or ask questions if still unsure. You deserve to
work in an environment that is a great fit, where you will
feel comfortable to work to fulfill your potential and
where you agree with the goals and objectives of the
company. Research is key in finding just the right job for
you.
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Kris Plantrich is the owner of ResumeWonders Writing and
Career Coaching Services. She is certified in Resume
Writing and Interview Coaching, experienced and affordable
and is nationally published. Reuse of this article is
encouraged but must include a link to
http://www.resumewonders.com .
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