Know the Employer before the Interview

Before the interview you should be prepared to answer any interview questions about the company. Researching the company will also assist you in determining if the company is the right fit for you and prepare you to answer some interview questions – such as “What do you know about us?” or “Do you know anyone working here?”. Some resources you might want to use are the company’s website, and internet or newspaper articles. Here are some suggestions:

1. What is the relative size of the company in the industry?

2. Is the industry expected to grow?

3. What are the product lines or services offered by the company?

4. What are the potential new markets, products or services?

5. Who is the company’s competition?

6. What is the organizational structure of the company?

7. How many plants, offices, stores, or outlets does the company have?

9. Does the company provide training?

10. If the company offers training, is it formal or on-the-job?

11. Has the company been in the news lately?

12. What are the company’s policies on relocation?

13. What is the typical career path for someone in your field?

14. Where is the home office located?

15. Do you know the name of the name of the company recruiter?

16. Are the people you may know working for the company?

© Copyright Vet2Work/Naturallysilver 2011. No re-publication of this article is permitted without express permission. This is an excerpt from "Successful Career Moves" by C.A. Stapleton. About the author: C.A. Stapleton, A.S., B.S., M.B.A., is an experienced, published professional career consultant, mentor, and résumé/ biographical writer.

Job Seeker’s Competition Isn’t Always “Unemployed”

What does it take to
compete against the
growing number of
Supplemental Income Job Seekers?
Unemployment remains relatively static at 9.6% nationwide. Today, these statistically documented out-of-work job seekers are not just competing for positions with their unemployed counterparts but also with the growing number of statistically undocumented “underemployed and underpaid” workers trying to lay their claim to additional superfluous income.
 Traditionally, these workers are employed individuals who have taken significantly less paying positions due to a previous layoff, early retirement, or for other reasons. To sustain or maintain a previous lifestyle, these workers look to supplement their current decreased household income status by adding a part-time or even a second full time position on a different shift. Although seeking a part-time position to supplement income is not a new concept, it has grown since economic downsizing has created so many unemployed and under-employed workers. Because the majority of the focus is on the unemployed, under-employed workers customarily tend to slip under the economic radar and therefore are not seen as a “threat” to the unemployed workers
 
 

Tell me the time, don't build me a clock.....!

Tell me the time, don't build me a clock.....! Employers don't want to read a book when looking at your resume. Consequently, your resume should immediately describe you honestly and clearly without being overly wordy. Because your resume is, or should be, limited to one page in length, every part of your resume should be connected to the other parts logically. Information should be organized clearly and be visually appealing to the reader. The key focus is to have your resume express to the employer how you will meet their (and their organization’s) requirements for success once you are hired. Remember, if your resume isn't customized and linked to the business’s product or service it won't represent you as a viable candidate to the employer
© Copyright Vet2Work/Naturallysilver 2010-11. No re-publication of this article is permitted without express permission. This is an excerpt from "Successful Career Moves" by C.A. Stapleton. About the author: C.A. Stapleton, A.S., B.S., M.B.A., is an experienced, published professional career consultant, mentor, and résumé/ biographical writer.