INTERVIEW PREPARATION

 Assess your strengths and weaknesses
You will need to spend some time assessing your own strengths and weaknesses(do a SWAT of yourself)
For each area of strength you should be able to demonstrate (provide examples) of how it was developed and utilized. As for your areas of weakness, you have to know what you
are doing to improve in that area. It is advisable to list on a sheet of paper all your skills,
abilities, accomplishments and weaknesses and be able to provide examples from your
past experience as to how you developed, utilized or improved these qualities. Relating
your areas of strength to the required qualifications is a key factor in gaining the
interviewer’s attention.

 Study the position available
Review your understanding about the type of work/position you will be
interviewed for. If you are interviewing for a marketing position, be aware of the typical
job duties/responsibilities for that position as well as the required qualification to perform
the job tasks. If you are not clear about the nature of the position you will be interviewed
for, make sure to use your network of contacts to help you develop a better understanding
of the job.

 Research the company
Find out as much as possible about the employer. Learn about the company from
its website, annual reports, brochures, and other similar sources. You should be able to
know the company’s exact name, history, purpose, services/products, major competitors,
approximate number of employees, where its branches are located and its future prospects.

 Know the dress code
Did you know that approximately 60% of job applicants are screened out because
their appearance does not fit the organizational image? You should dress like other
employees in the organization. If you are well-groomed and neatly dressed, your
appearance will inspire a basic confidence in your work habits.

Bring appropriate materials

Take along additional copies of your resume, a list of questions to ask about the
organization and position, a portfolio (if applicable), a pen and a pad of paper on which
you can make a few notes to yourself. Make sure to note on a piece of paper the name of
the interviewer, company address, and telephone number in case of emergency.

 Find interview location ahead of appointment
Be sure to get specific directions for getting there. Repeat the directions and
make sure they are correct. It is even better if you can make a “dry run” to determine the
exact location prior to the meeting. You need to find out the approximate travel time to
the interview location, check out the best route and parking locations. Make sure that
you arrive 5-10 minutes before the interview.