So, you’ve got an upcoming interview. If you are at this stage of the job search, be proud of yourself. You are only a few steps away from finishing the job search race. Now, you need to prepare for the last lap for a strong finish.
In preparing for the interview, it will be good to do some research on your interviewer. It will arm yourself with the right information to make a strong impression and, most importantly, give you confidence.
When doing research on your interviewer, here are the things you should look for:
Topics for conversation – In the interview, you want to establish rapport with the interviewer. An effective first step toward establishing rapport is a good starting conversation. Look for publicly available information on your interviewer, and try to identify something that you both have in common.
Interview Style – Everyone has a personality of his or her own, and interviewers have a style of their own. Before you come in, it’s important to know how the interviewer likes to do the interview. Then you can prepare answers according to the style that he or she prefers.
Skills and Qualifications – Before the interview, knowing what the interviewer has in mind will help you to focus on the aspects that are important to him or her. It will give you time to think of situations in which you have clearly demonstrated your skills.
Questions for the Interviewer – Most applicants prepare answers for the interviewer’s questions, but not everyone prepares questions for the interviewer. It’s a welcome sight for interviewers to see someone who has prepared as well as they have. Prepare questions for the interviewer for information and clarification.
You are at the final stage of your job search—don’t let this opportunity go to waste. By preparing and doing research on your interviewer, you give yourself a better chance of getting hired.
