Preparing for Job Search Success: Research, Strategize & Leverage Contacts

It’s often been said that a little bit of preparation goes a long way, so imagine the possibilities if a job seeker was fully prepared. In the first post in the Preparing for Job Search Success in the three-part series, the focus was on building a job search plan and discovering the most suitable position. In this part, the focus is researching, strategizing and leveraging contacts.

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To ace the job interviews, candidates have to prepare by researching companies, key personnel, interviewers, and practice answering tough interview questions. An interview is a fact-finding mission – the prospective employer wants to find out three things:

1. CAN you do the job? This addresses your skills, knowledge, experience and accomplishments, learning potential, and the ability to handle the physical aspects of the job.
2. WILL you do the job? This relates to your interest in the position, company, and industry; your work ethic; your energy level and any outside influences that might affect your willingness or availability to do the job.
3. Do you FIT? This is your personal chemistry, communication skills, values, style (work and management), general interests, and appearance.

Possible Interview Questions

1. Tell me about yourself?
2. What do you consider to be your strengths?
3. What do you consider to be your weaknesses?
4. What kind of contributions can you make to an organization?
5. What kind of a leader are you?
6. In what kind of work environment do you do your best work?
7. Why are you interested in this company/industry?
8. What is most important to you in your work? What do you value?
9. How do you like to be rewarded?
10. What are your salary requirements?

Questions for Job Candidates to Ask Interviewer

1. How long has the position been open?
2. Why is the position open?
3. To whom does the position report?
4. How will my performance be evaluated? How often?
5. What developmental opportunities will be available to me, assuming I do an exceptional job?
6. What are the company’s objectives for the next year? …for the next five years?
7. What is your timetable for filling the position?
8. Have I told you everything you need to know about my background?
9. Do you have any concerns about my suitability for this position?
10. What is the next step?
11. Whom would I see next? When? What is his/her title?

The interview also gives job candidates the opportunity to discover if they really want to work for the prospective employer, so it is important to ask the interviewer questions about the company that cannot be found elsewhere.

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Although the best job search strategy incorporates the various ways to find a job, the best method is still networking. Networking also allows job seekers to tap into the hidden job market. To leverage contacts, create a list of people that you know from your college alumni, social groups, professional associations, work experience, as well as people whom you met online. Approach contacts to learn about employment opportunities and industry trends, but never ask contacts for a job.

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Researching companies, being strategic about the job search process, and leveraging contacts can give job candidates a competitive advantage over their peers. In the last part in the series, the focus will be on aligning skills and strengths with employer needs and practicing core messages.