What to find out about the job and the company before your job interview :
• Make sure you know the name of the interviewer and their position. Also, make sure you pronounce their name correctly.
• Run through the job description one last time before going to your interview. It is very important that you know what it contains. If the position is not well described in the job offer or your application was spontaneous, you can ask to be sent a description of the position in question.
• If you want to work for a company, it is crucial that you know exactly what they do. Don’t forget to visit the company’s website before your interview. You don’t need to know every detail, but it is important to have a clear idea of what the company does. You can then use your interview to ask questions on things you didn’t find clear. Asking questions at an interview is also recommended to show your interest in the company in question.
• You should also search the company’s website to see if you can find any press releases. These are often a good source of information on company results, activities and takeovers.
• Not familiar with the industry in which the company works? Try to find an industry organisation and have a look at its website. This will no doubt provide interesting information which will help you gain a better understanding of the activities of the company to which you are applying.
• Asking questions about the position or the company is never going to do any harm. However, don’t overwhelm the interviewer with too many questions, instead ask them about the things that are not clear to you after he has given you a brief introduction to the company or the position.
What could you ask during the interview?
• What are the main responsibilities of the position?
• Who would I be reporting to?
• Is training provided? If so, what does is consist of?
• How many people would be in my team or my department?
• Why is the position vacant?
• What is the culture of the company like?
• What are the company’s plans for the future?