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#3: Get to know about interviewer
A key part of job interview success is about building rapport with interviewer. That's why it helps to find out something about him.
Learn about his background -- educational qualifications and career progression are good starting points. Get an idea about his reputation within organization.
Find out details like his professional affiliations, hobbies and family. Try to get a sense of his values and personal style -- what kind of person is he?
See if you have anything in common with him. Whether it's hobbies, city where you grew up or anything else. If there is, it's easier to build rapport. Even if there isn't, fact-finding you've done will allow you to conduct yourself appropriately at job interview.
#4: Be up-to-date on industry and profession
This is big-picture context you must be aware of. Know about trends and developments in career you've chosen.
This is particularly important if you're changing careers. In that case, your focus will be on your transferable skills. You need to prove that you know what you are getting into and how your existing skills and experience will help you in this new career / profession.
Apart from mainstream news media, trade publications are a great source of information. In addition, seek out someone in your network who can give you inside scoop on what's happening.
At job interview, you should be able to discuss trends, career paths and skill-set needed to succeed. You are aiming to convey that you have a firm grasp of what industry and profession is all about and that you are prepared to function effectively.
Learn all pertinent facts about industry. How profitable has this industry been over time? What are current growth trends? Is this a mature, slow-growing industry or one of newer faster-paced ones?
How important is your profession to this industry? Is it a core profession or something that's peripheral to industry's success?
What developments could disrupt growth and profitability? These could be related to technology, distribution, changes in market preferences and much more.
This information will allow you to talk intelligently about your industry and profession.
Research is base on which good strategy is built. Take time to do it well and you will have a considerable lead over your competitors.
Mary Brent is an expert on job interviews and careers. Her numerous articles offer valuable interview tips, effective ways to write interview thank you letters and more.