Student Affairs

reParing

for

the

nterview

RESEARCH EMPLOYERS

The number one complaint from employers are candidates who are not prepared for the interview. Researching the

employer will help you decide if you are truly interested in working for the employer, discover the career paths available and

most importantly, prepare for the interview. Here is what you should research:

THE BASICS

Products and services, organizational structure, operating divisions, location of facilities, major competitors,

typical career paths and available training and development programs.

PERFORMANCE AND PERSONNEL

Size and number of employees, accomplishments, sales, financial performance, research and development activities,

employee diversity, hiring and promotion policies.

PHILOSOPHY AND CULTURE

Corporate goals and objectives; the traditional values, beliefs, views and operating styles that characterize the

organization; and the potential for employee ownership.

MISSION, VISION AND VALUES

The current and future direction of the company.

PLANS FOR THE FUTURE

Expansion and restructuring plans, new projects, projected financial growth and new market ventures.

• Employer’s website

• Employer information sessions

• Newspapers, broadcast media and internet searches

• Chamber of commerce publications

• Industry publications

• Career Resource Center resources and career counselors

• College professors

• Informational interviews with alumni

• Mock interview with a career counselor or virtually in

ClemsonJobLink

RESOURCES TO PREPARE FOR THE INTERVIEW

Size of the company and

growth potential

Array of services and/or

product lines

The organizational

structure

Headquarter location and

number of facilities

The nature of the

competition

Typical career paths

The kind of training

provided