When starting a job search, it is helpful to have a good understanding of your career objectives and requirements while seeking employment opportunities. Companies can quickly eliminate candidates who are uncertain of the direction they would like to take. Map out your career and personal goals and make sure the two complement, rather than conflict with each other.

Before an interview, be sure to do all of your research on the company you are interviewing with that day. By doing all of your research on a company, you will have a better comfort level conversing with company representatives during the interview. It will also show the interviewer that you have a genuine interest in the company in addition to coming prepared for the interview. Some examples of research before an interview include reviewing:

• Company history
• Products/Services
• Site Locations
• Company financials
• Number of employees
• Recent mergers/acquisitions
• Future viability of the industry
• Job Description
• Skill Set

A good understanding of your goals and a genuine self-assessment can be a helpful tool in preparing for an interview. We encourage job applicants to take a self-inventory and focus on their strengths and weaknesses to assist in long term career planning as well as the interview process. This will ensure confidence during the interview and reassurance on your motives for a potential job change.

The most important technique we recommend to candidates preparing for an interview is to relax and stay calm. Many times, interviews make people nervous and candidates can develop anxiety even before the interview begins. Much, if not all of this anxiety can be alleviated by preparing fully for an interview.

Some areas to consider in a new company when preparing a self-assessment are:

• Size of company
• Commute/Geography
• Culture/Environment
• Compensation
• Work/Life Balance
• Technical Skills
• Interpersonal/Communication Skills
• Family Needs
• Career Level