Want to Ace Your On-Campus Interview? Do Your Research
SAN FRANCISCO--(COLLEGIATE PRESSWIRE)--Oct. 16, 2000--Congratulations! You’ve landed an interview with one of the hottest companies visiting campus this year.
But even as you’re thinking about flying around the world and climbing the corporate ladder, the stress has set in. What are they looking for? Do you have what it takes? Most importantly, how are you going to convince them you’re the one?
While there are no easy answers, recruiters say that one factor clearly distinguishes the best candidates: knowledge of the company and industry.
The first rule of effective research is simple: do it! Surprisingly few candidates take the time to get to know the companies and industries with which they’re interviewing. Those who do clearly stand out.
The second rule is a little tougher: do it early! You can read all the tips in the world for planning a successful research effort, but if you don’t get started until the night before your interview, good luck!
Here are a few additional tips from
WetFeet.com to start you on your way to a successful interviewing season:
Plan Your Trip Researching an industry or company is like planning a trip. Although many people wing it, your journey will be more fun if you plan ahead. Make a list of the top ten or 20 questions you need to answer to really feel on top of this industry and particular company. By spending a little time up front thinking about the key issues and questions you want to address in your research efforts, you`ll maximize your success.
Example questions:
Industry Questions * Who are the key players? * What is the history of the industry, and where is it heading? * What are some major trends? * What are the required skills?
Company Questions * What role does the company play in its industry? * What are key products and its market share? * What is the past and future revenue model? * What skills are in demand—marketing, engineering, product development? * What types of jobs are available for recent graduates? * Do they have training programs for recent graduates? * What makes them different from others in the industry-customers, products, culture?
Surf The Web Start with the career center’s website. They’ll have the campus-specific information you’ll need to know, plus links to other helpful sites. For company research and an online company brochure, visit the company’s website. For a more objective view, check out
WetFeet.com at http://www.wetfeet.com. Finally, read the latest news in The Wall Street Journal’s online newspaper at
www.wsj.com.
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