| Before you apply for any position ask for a copy | | | | brochures and publicity from the company itself. |
| of the job description for the particular position | | | | These will give you a picture of what the |
| for which you are interested. If you do not meet | | | | company manufactures, its size, earnings, growth |
| the minimum requirements or experience for the | | | | trends, latest projects, and the number of |
| position being offered call the company and inquire | | | | employees. For a personal take on the |
| if your experience and skills would be considered if | | | | organization you can seek out and talk with |
| you do apply. Some companies will not waiver | | | | employees of the company. Ask questions, note |
| from their stated requirements. Others may | | | | reactions and watch for body language. State that |
| accept limited or alternative experience. | | | | you might like to work for the organization and |
| Today, with the vast information on the Internet, | | | | listen to the employee's response. If you hear an |
| it is almost impossible not to find a great amount | | | | enthusiastic response that is great, negative talk, |
| of information about any organization. A few basis | | | | be leery. Ask about the company's turnover rate. |
| facts you should know before you interview is | | | | Turnover is a big factor in revealing how the |
| the correct name of the company, who owns it, | | | | company is managed. If employees are leaving |
| and how it operates. Applicants are not expected | | | | before they have completed one year of |
| to know everything about a company but a bit of | | | | employment that is a good indication of a high |
| accurate information mentioned during an | | | | turnover rate. That may mean there are |
| interview speaks loudly that you have "done your | | | | problems within the company, poor management |
| homework" and that you are very interested in | | | | or general dissatisfaction with company rules or |
| joining the organization. | | | | procedures. If turnover is low that is an excellent |
| If you have a computer, input the company's | | | | sign that the benefits are good, the management |
| name into a search engine. Most companies have | | | | if employee oriented and the employees are |
| a website that you can check out. You will | | | | content and satisfied. |
| undoubtedly find a wealth of information. | | | | Review everything you have accumulated about |
| Research what issues the company is facing. | | | | the business and pay particular attention to the |
| Check the financial status of the company. Is the | | | | company mission statement, goals and objectives. |
| company profitable, how long has it been in | | | | During your interview, when discussing the |
| operation, have there been any recent layoffs | | | | information you have learned, speak in an |
| and why? Has the company grown over the | | | | assertive manner about how you can commit to |
| years or is it struggling? Search for news stories | | | | the company programs. Talk about the projects |
| connected to the company. You will probably find | | | | that you have been successful with in your |
| recent information related to projects, | | | | personal work history. Be sure to provide ways in |
| promotions, and general data about the workings | | | | which you can bring those same successes to the |
| of the organization. All that information can help | | | | company based on the issues and problems they |
| you to decide if that is where you want to hang | | | | are currently encountering. |
| your hat! | | | | A little knowledge about the company at which |
| If you do not have a computer you can still | | | | you are applying can go a long way toward |
| request financial reports, advertising material, | | | | making you an especially attractive candidate! |