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Several surveys have been conducted with interviewers regarding the turn offs and turn ons in an interview. The Number 1 "Turn Off" is when the candidate does not know much about the company.
We can hear you saying that you thought it would be the dress, arriving to the interview late, exaggerations on the resume or even the candidate initiating salary discussions.
Nope.
Company recruiters, department heads and most interviewers say that the biggest turn off is when the candidate did not research the company. Even when interviewing with a well known company, it is important for you to do your homework. So, if you are interviewing with Sears and have shopped their stores for years, that will not be enough information on the company.
Know that the interviewer WILL ask you:
"Tell me why you want to work for ___________?"
If you have researched the company, you will be able to answer with authority showing you have a solid understanding of the firm. Use the words from the company collateral. Speak to them the positives and show that you have explored their website, read news stories, read their financials and retained information on the company.
"I have admired Sears for years and was very impressed with your 2nd quarter same store sales. Your company has remained strong for the last 2 years when most retailers have suffered. I was excited to read that your home appliance and lawn and garden businesses drove better than exceeded sales results. I am interested in working for a company that is successful."
First of all, know that company research will take time. Be prepared to read materials, print copies and compile information on the company.
a. Start researching on the Internet. Go to the company’s website, if available, and read every single page. Take notes or print pages from the site. Ensure that you can quote back important snippets of what you have read.
b. No website? Go to the library. Search engine their company name for news.
c. If the firm is local, talk to employees. Interviewers will enjoy hearing stories about the pride of the employees.
d. Read the business section of the newspaper.
e. Contact the Better Business Bureau.
No matter what you find out, be positive and be prepared to talk about your research several times during the interview.
1StopResume.com utilizes several sources to bring you revolutionary and fundamental job search wisdom. While we would like to acknowledge individually those websites, books and articles, authors, and masters, this list would be extensive. We thank these sources for their contributions.