One of the expectations of a recruiter is that the interviewee should have read the company website and conducted a google search on the company. Prior to your interview, you should find out the company vision, mission and values. When you look at the values, what core values do you share with company core values? When you read about the company vision and mission, how will YOU add value by helping the company achieve it? You may also want to conduct some analysis about the company, its competitors and where the industry is headed in the next 5 years.
E.g.1 Application to pharmaceutical company.
Pharmaceutical companies face the challenges of :-
1. Increased government regulation
2. Increased income from outside the United States
3. Increased competition from generic drugs
In view of these challenges, my background as a lawyer will be able to understand and communicate the increased government regulation. As an international business major, I will be able to work within the global marketplace. My experience managing a team of 50 people will allow me to effectively manage a sales force’s challenges while maintaining profitability.
This example demonstrates your ability to tie in your past experience with the company direction.
E.g. 2 Targeted interview
Interviewer : Are you a hard worker?
Interviewee : Yes, of course.
Interviewer : Are you an ethical person?
Interviewee : Yes, of course.
I learned the targeted interview method when I was interviewed by Johnson & Johnson. Almost every interviewee will tell you they are hard working and ethical. The targeted method is where you ask the following questions:-
Interviewer : That’s great. Please give me an example of a time when you worked harder than expected. Can you describe the :-
1. Situation that you were in
2. Task that you were given
3. Action that you took
4. Results of 3. above.
1-4 is the Situation, Task, Action and Result (STAR) approach.
Very few interviewees actually prepare in this thorough and detailed manner. This will enable you to stand out from your peers.
