Before you set your sights on a job change, you have a few important things to consider before going on an interview.
Who do you know?
The internet can provide a significant amount of information about companies. At the top of the list is LinkedIn. Find out what connections you already have that may work at or have worked at the company you’re considering. Who are they? How well do you know them? What positions did they have?
Who’s who?
Once you have your list of connections, consider reaching out to them and let them know you’re considering an interview at the company. People are happy to share their experiences at the company and may be a great source of insight about company culture, benefits, and opportunities.
You have Questions
As you talk to your connections and do your research about the company, you’ll likely start to develop questions about the company and the opportunity. Write them all down and decide which three would show your knowledge of the company and express desire to provide value to the company.
Rungs on the Ladder
People use titles differently from company to company to describe and identify the various levels of responsibility within the organization. Be sure that you clearly understand the roles and responsibilities of the position without making assumptions based on the title of the position before you leave the interview. The view from the outside can be clouded by your assumptions. Plus, asking probing questions about the position will show the company that you want to ensure that you’re a good fit for their needs.
Always be Prepared
Be prepared on interview day by knowing who will be in the room, and what their roles are. It’s common today for there to be multiple interviewers, so it’s critical that you do some research to find out how the people fit in with the role you’re considering. Come with more copies of your resume than you think you’ll need. A good rule of thumb is to bring two extras.
These 5 tips are just a few to consider along the journey to finding a new position at a new organization. Of course, there’s a lot more to the hiring and interviewing preparation process, so consider getting the help of an expert team that will increase your odds of success.
If you’re searching, OnPoint Job Search Solutions helps to connect candidates, staffing firms, and client hiring companies. Through several channels, we can help in the job search process with resume review and writing, social and professional media profiles, job search strategies, interview preparation, and offer negotiation.
Contact OnPoint Job Search Solutions for job search coaching and job interview help.