Interviews offer an opportunity for all prospective employees to show their personal qualities, skills, experience and knowledge and demonstrate how these fit within an organisation.
It is essential to do some research about the employer’s business before an interview, as the interview panel’s aim is to hire the candidate who is the best fit for the organisation and the job role.
Information about the employer’s business can be found on a company’s website. The main aspects of the employer’s business to research before an interview include:
• What do they do and what services do they provide?
• How does the role fit with the business operations?
• Number of staff and type of employees (e.g. diversity).
If you are seeking to progress or looking for a long-term career you might want to explore the developmental opportunities in the organisation, for example:
• How long have they been operating as a business? Are they well known in their field? What reputation do they have?
• What is the vision and what are the values of the organisation? These are usually stated on the company website; they are worth considering, as interviewers assess candidates on how well they fit with the company ethos. It is also worth considering the extent to which the vision and values meet your own personal and professional values.
Interviewers often ask questions that relate to their business and the specific working role. Interviewees who have taken the time to research and gather information are better prepared for the interview than those who haven’t.
They can give informed answers to questions and explain how their skills and knowledge would be an asset for the organisation.
Informed and clearly explained responses also demonstrate that the interviewee has put effort into their preparation.