Last week at the Melanie Andersen Agency we finally settled into our new office in the Meatpacking District. Prior to last week we were in transition, moving from SoHo to Meatpacking. During the week I was able to experience the true atmosphere of our office filled with candidate interviews, new business development meetings, and research as well as sit in on my first weekly company meeting. This week we discussed candidate interviews.
Based on what I have gathered from my time at TMAA and from discussions with other professionals, I believe a key step in the interviewing process is sometimes neglected or taken for granted. All of our lives our parents and educators have told us to “do our homework,” the same applies in regards to interviewing. Research prior to any interview is imperative. As recruiters we will do our best when briefing you in the days before your interview with the company but it is up to the candidate to peruse the company’s website or other notable material/press releases. For example before you enter an interview, be sure to familiarize yourself with the company’s initiatives or goals, check out the latest media buzz/trends in their industry or the company’s direction over the past year. There are various reasons why research will benefit both you and the company you are interviewing with. 1) How can you express to the employer that you are the right fit for a role if you do not understand the company and and its values? 2) Research helps a candidate discern if the company and role are truly the right fit for their lifestyle, and 3) By researching, a candidate assures a company that in the beginning steps they have all ready taken a interest and value the opportunity.
I am very excited that Melanie has suggested that I sit in and observe interview training and I look forward to sharing what I’ve learned next week!