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The interview process, if completed full cycle, generally follows the course shown below:
The whole process can take many months to complete or proceed very quickly.
Key Questions
Before you start interviewing, you should answer a few questions. Your answers will help direct your entire process.
- What type of work do you enjoy and will it provide you long-term professional development and personal satisfaction?
- What are the issues that are important to you personally and professionally?
- What criteria are you using to make a decision?
- What differentiates one company from another?
- Why do you want to work with a specific company, and how do you convince your interviewer?
If you can't answer all these questions, you should do some research.
Research
Although it might seem like an overwhelming task, especially in light of your other responsibilities at school, work, and home, it is essential.
By starting early, you may find that researching the companies, as well as really thinking about your own goals and objectives, can be an interesting, educational, and enjoyable experience.
There are basically two types of research: personal and industry-specific.
Personal Research
Let this be an introspective exercise for you - no one will see these answers but you. So be honest with yourself and have some fun while you accomplish something very important.
- Which subjects did I enjoy the most/least? Why?
- What types of projects do I like best; i.e., working in groups or alone? Why?
- What traits would others praise me for, and which would they suggest I work on?
- What are my short-term/long-term goals?
- Do I prefer security and consistency, or do I want challenge and constant change?
- What are my own strengths/areas for improvement?
Certainly, you can add questions that make sense for you. Think of situations you have found yourself in, or experiences that expand on the answers to these questions. Now set the answers aside and perform industry research.
Industry Research
This aspect of your research may be a bit easier because there is material readily available. Some good sources of information include:
- Recruiting brochures/cd's
- Annual Reports
- The Internet
- Articles about the industry or specific companies in:
- Industry publications
- Newspapers
- Professional journals
- The reputation of the various companies among:
- Faculty
- Placement and career advisory professionals
- Attendance at presentations sponsored by the various companies. Meet the people!
- People who work for the organization
Perhaps the best way to research a specific company is to spend some time on one of the programs they may offer students. Examples are internships, leadership courses, and work shadowing placements. This allows you to have face-to-face contact with staff and find out what it's really like to work there.
By trying to answer these questions, you will focus your research:
- How has the company grown, and what are its future growth plans? Has it done so internally or through mergers and acquisitions?
- How successful is the company?
- How strong is the company's training program?
- What kind of diversity of assignments will you receive?
- What services does the company offer?
- What is the typical career path?
- What is the client base?
- How is one company different from the others?
- What type of people am I meeting? What is their quality? Am I impressed?
- What can I expect in the first few years?
- Is a graduate degree important?
- Where is the company located - how many offices, cities, countries?
Again, you can come up with many questions on your own as you become more comfortable with this exercise.
Now, it is time for you to match up your two sets of answers. If done carefully, you should be able to match certain companies to your personal interests and eliminate others. Now you're finally ready for those interviews. Good luck!
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