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"If you don't know where you're going you'll end up somewhere else."
You might have seen this quote on a popular greeting card. It implies that those who think ahead and develop
a plan have a better chance of reaching their destination than those who are merely "winging it." This
advice is very applicable to the subject of this chapter: how to prepare for job interviews. We will discuss:
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why preparing for interviews (rather than winging it) is so important |
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how to prepare for interviews through self-assessment and company research |
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strategies and tips to use in preparing for interviews effectively and successfully |
You've prepared your resume, networked for information, used the Web to identify job prospects, created a
job search strategy, and obtained one or more interviews. Congratulations! Each of these steps is critical
to the success of your job campaign. But don't stop - now is the time to prepare for those interviews you've
worked so hard to earn. It's time to plan a strategy in advance. You might be thinking "Why prepare in
advance? Is there a danger that by doing so I'll sound too 'rehearsed?' And besides, I just don't have
time to prepare. Why can't I just go in and be myself?"
All of these thoughts are common and valid. Studies have found, though, that those who take the step of
preparing for interviews seriously are better prepared, better able to handle difficult interview questions
(and interviewers!), better able to articulate their strengths and are, in fact, better able to "be
themselves" in interviews. Preparing ahead demonstrates to your interviewer how seriously you are taking the
interview. It shows initiative and will help you to stand out from other applicants who don't take time to
prepare. Preparing for interviews involves two important steps:
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knowing yourself, or self-assessment, and |
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knowing the company through company research |
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