Spend some time researching the company or organization. Ask friends. Conduct research in the library, use the Internet, check with Career Development, and ask the company to send you brochures or annual reports.
Utilize the Chambers of Commerce, personal contacts, and printed materials about the company, its products and/or services, research newspapers, professional journals, libraries, etc.
Try to find answers to the following questions:
1. How large is the organization?
2. How long has the firm been in business?
3. What are its products and/or services?
4. Does the company have a good reputation?
5. What is the managerial style, corporate structure and culture of the company?
6. What kind of future seems to be in store for the organization?
7. Are the employees and the environment compatible with your personality?
8. Why do you want to work for this company?
9. What do you know about this company?
10. Why do you think you would like this job?
11. Who are their major competitors?
12. What benefits and/or drawbacks can you foresee in working for this company?
Mentally prepare other questions that you may be asked and tentative answers so that you are not caught off guard. Prepare questions you want answered by the interviewer. Get the date, time, place, and the interviewer’s name. Ask about the format – will there be more than one interview or interviewer, how much time should I allow, is there anything I should bring? Get the salary (or salary range) before the interview.
