| The job market is an ever changing marketplace. | | | | yourself", etc. There are many publications you can |
| Sometimes it favors the job seeker with organizations | | | | obtain that will cover the many interview questions that |
| bidding for a scarcity of talent. But today it is the hiring | | | | can be asked. The important point is that you need to |
| organizations that hold the upper hand. There is an | | | | be prepared to answer these types of questions in a |
| abundance of qualified individuals for most job | | | | posed and well thought out manner. Displaying |
| openings. So if you have been successful in gaining an | | | | confidence in your answers will help convince the hiring |
| interview you need to be able to take advantage of | | | | manager of your abilities to get the job done. |
| the opportunity and convert it to a job offer. Learning | | | | The bulk of questions you are asked will come from |
| how to prepare for an interview will give you a | | | | your resume. Review your resume and anticipate |
| competitive edge. Unfortunately, most people do not | | | | questions that may arise. For example, you may be |
| put much time into interview preparation. They show | | | | asked to explain how you approached a specific |
| up and hope for the best. If you come well prepared | | | | accomplishment listed by one of your prior jobs. This is |
| you will stand out in the hiring manger's mind when | | | | a great opportunity to relate a results oriented story |
| candidates strengths and weaknesses are compared. | | | | you have already prepared. Many questions will come |
| Focus your preparation in the following 4 areas: | | | | about by what's not specifically stated on a resume, i.e. |
| Research the company and the position. | | | | gaps in employment, lateral job changes, unrelated |
| Start by visiting the organization's website, you can | | | | jobs. By preparing in advance you can answer in a |
| learn valuable information about their priorities and | | | | way that will remove any concerns that may be |
| current strategies. But don't stop here, you need to | | | | lingering |
| further your research by researching current news | | | | Prepare Questions to Ask |
| items about the company. This will sometimes uncover | | | | This is an area that is many times overlooked by |
| valuable information that will demonstrate your | | | | those in preparation for an interview. This is an area |
| resourcefulness. If possible, talk with current/former | | | | where you can differentiate yourself from the |
| employees to learn more about the organization's | | | | competition. These are questions about the company, |
| culture. By researching a number of sources you get a | | | | its products/services, its strategies, target customers |
| more complete picture of the company. | | | | and job responsibilities to name a few. They are not |
| Prepare your results oriented stories. | | | | questions about benefits, salary, or vacation time. You |
| A hiring manager is trying to determine if you are the | | | | ask these questions to convey insight and knowledge |
| right fit for the position. The objective is not to | | | | that others wont bother to demonstrate. You can ask |
| determine if you are a nice person, but if you have the | | | | leading questions that will allow you to tell a success |
| talent and experience to add value to the organization. | | | | story that stresses the value you can bring to the |
| As you prepare for the interview, you need to create | | | | organization. By asking thought provoking questions |
| results oriented success stories that you can tell during | | | | you will have some control over the direction of the |
| the interview. These successes will demonstrate your | | | | interview. I have been amazed at the high percentage |
| talents and ability to achieve results. A success story | | | | of people I have interviewed who ask no questions at |
| should contain three elements; 1) describe the situation, | | | | all. It makes one wonder now much interest and |
| 2) describe what you did, and 3) identify the specific | | | | enthusiasm they will bring to the job if hired. |
| results achieved. You are positioning yourself as the | | | | If you seriously focus on these four areas in How to |
| right person for the job. | | | | Prepare for an Interview you will be miles ahead of |
| Prepare answers to common questions. | | | | your competition. Your extra effort will be noted and |
| Most hiring managers wont take the time to think up | | | | could be the difference in a job offer or a rejection |
| creative questions to ask during an interview. They will | | | | letter. |
| ask the typical interview questions such as "tell about | | | | |