Interviewing: Preparing for the Interview

By Michele Blandino

When preparing for an interview with a prospective employer, most people take the time to do some research so that they can learn more about the company. Among the topics researched are the company’s history, their products, their financial status and any key events that may have taken place during the recent past.

Clearly, knowing as much as possible about the company before you head into the interview room will give you an advantage over candidates who are not as well prepared. But, how can you demonstrate that you have done your homework? Ironically, the best way to show you know what you’re talking about is by asking questions.

Think about it: formulating well thought-out questions – particularly for a job for which you have little or no experience – demonstrates your ability to research, your ability to apply information to a specific situation, and your ability to learn.

What to Ask

Here’s a simple rule: regardless of the job, there is always at least one question you should be able to ask. If, for example, you are applying for part-time work as a cashier at a local grocery store, ask how the cashier’s job description has changed as the number of self-checkout stations has increased. If the job you are seeking is in the fast food industry, you can ask how the company plans to address the trend toward healthier eating habits.

Obviously, the number and types of questions you can ask will very depending on the position being considered. The point is, however, regardless of the type of job, there should be at least one question you can ask that will demonstrate your suitability as an employee.

All this comes with a word of warning: don’t ask a question merely for the sake of asking. In other words, the questions you ask should demonstrate that you have done your homework on the company. Do not ask a question that can be answered by reading the company’s website or annual report, instead, try to formulate your questions so that they  demonstrate your analytical and critical thinking abilities.

In addition, it is important to keep in mind that some questions may not be appropriate for a given job. For instance, if you are seeking part-time seasonal work, chances are, you won’t be overly concerned with opportunities for advancing your career within that company. If, on the other hand, the job you are seeking is part of your long-term career plan, then you will want to ask questions regarding the company’s commitment toward developing their employees for positions of increasing responsibility.

Where to Research

The best way to learn about any company is through its website. Here, you will typically find information regarding the company’s history, its management team and its product line. You can usually find links to the company’s financial data here as well. In fact, most public companies provide links to their annual reports and other filings. Many public libraries retain copies of annual reports as well.

Time Well Spent

Clearly, the better prepared you are for an interview, the better your chances of landing the job. Taking the time to learn more about the company to which you are applying will not only help you to make a better impression on the interviewer, it will also help you decide whether or not the company is a good fit for you.