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MY FOOT IS IN THE DOOR,
NOW WHAT DO I DO?
Copyright
2000 by Rita Fisher, CPRW/Career Change Resumes
Congratulations, you are halfway there! Your
foot is in the door. You have accomplished 50% of the “self-selling” process
by sending your resume and successfully generating an interview. The company is
interested in you, they want you – you have made the sale. Now, you just have
to make a great impression and close it.
One crucial step of making a great impression is the
demonstration of your knowledge about the company. How much do you know about
them? Don’t make the mistake many interviewers are guilty of – not knowing a
thing about the interviewing company.
Never
arrive at an interview unprepared!
Find out and read everything you can about the company.
It couldn’t be easier today with the availability and power of the Internet.
Visit the company’s website, conduct a search. Go to the library and ask for
help at the reference desk. Talk to people who work there.
While you were in school, you studies and prepared for
tests, didn’t you? That was school and “only” a test. This could be the
job of your life. Shouldn’t you be as ready as possible? Now, go and
prepare for it.
You are probably asking – “OK, I do all this legwork
and find out everything I can about the company but how on earth will I be able
to demonstrate it all during the interview? What are the real benefits of all
this preparation?” Here are the benefits and a few ways on how to dazzle them
by showing your knowledge:
a, When you are armed with knowledge, you instantly
project more confidence and you are less nervous and edgy. Also, when you are
relaxed, your whole body seems to cooperate better: your body language is more
positive, your expressions and your tone are clearer. Your memory is enhanced and will allow you to
remember more of what you planned to say.
b, When there is a lull in the conversation between you
and the interviewer, say: “So, I understand that you are planning to
manufacture XYZ gadget. When will you start making these and who are your
customers for this kind of product?”
c, By knowing details about the company, it will be much
easier to answer the question: "Now, tell me how will your skills and
experiences benefit our company?” or “What will you be able to bring to our
company that will help us solve our customer retention problems?” Dazzle them
with a masterful combination of company knowledge and self-promotion.
d, You will probably be asked this: “Do you have any
questions?” Of course, you do! In light of the knowledge you have acquired
about the organization, you can ask a number of questions, including:
“Although I have a basic understanding of your company operations, I would
like to know more about what you do and where you stand in your industry. Could
you tell me what distinguishes your company from its competitors? What are the
plans for the next 5 years as far as company operations and expansion goes?”
As you see, in light of the knowledge you gained about
the organization, you will be able to ask the right questions and effectively
answer the interviewer’s inquiries. Also, you will be less nervous and will be
able to sell your relevant skills and qualifications, the ones that are the
most significant in that particular position.
Good luck to you and go get them!
Rita
Fisher is a Certified Professional Resume
Writer, a Career Expert and owner of Career Change Resumes, a professional
resume writing and career marketing firm that guarantees interviews or will
rewrite for free. Rita provides expert help on presenting your background for
the desired career change. FREE e-zine and FREE power words.
E-mail:
resumes@reliable-net.net,
Website: http://www.CareerChangeResumes.com
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