socialmedian: Company Research: The Key to Acing an Interview

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Company Research: The Key to Acing an Interview

Submitted by Simonvreeman from Google Reader

Nov 04, 2009

Summary

I dislike interviewing. Many people do. Students often assume during advising appointments that because I can ramble off some sample interview answers on a whim, that means I must be world’s best interviewee.

Not so much.

When it’s interview time, I’m just as much of a mess- at least internally- as the next person. With practice, I’ve learned a few techniques that help me relax. Remembering to breathe is a good start. Slowing down, really listening to my responses and reflecting before I speak also helps. But, the best technique I’ve found is arming myself with information prior to the big interview day.

One of the most important parts of interview preparation is researching the organization and interviewer ahead of time. Employers repeatedly indicate that the best way to stand out in an interview is demonstrate you know something about the company. After all, how can you possibly demonstrate that you are the perfect fit for a position if you don’t know anything about the organization?