Читать книгу How You Are Like Shampoo for College Graduates - Brenda Bence - Страница 24

Okay, so now you’ve done your research, connected with people, and you have an “in” with someone at one or two of your top companies. Suddenly, it’s time to talk to this contact on the phone or face-to-face. What questions should you ask?

Here’s the very best suggestion I can give you: Ask for advice! Be honest, and let that person know you’re interested in working for the company. Ask them what they would suggest you do as first steps to get started finding a job there. You may be surprised by how much someone is willing to help you just because you’ve asked for their help and guidance.

Here are a few other questions to ask if you get the chance to talk to someone who’s already working for a company you’re interested in:

•What does the company look for in an employee?

•What do you think are the top five skills the company values most?

•What do you like the most about working there? What do you like the least?

•Is it a training-focused company? If so, does it send employees to outside training programs, or does it hold regular in-house trainings?

•What are three words that best describe the culture of the company?

•How does the company treat its employees in general?

•Does the company hold a lot of events for its employees? If so, what kind? Are employees’ families invited to these parties, too?

•On a scale from 1-10, how open to new ideas is the company? What examples can you share with me to show why you give it that score?

•Would you say that the company is more team- or individual- oriented? Can you share with me a few examples of why you think that?

The answers will give you great clues about what to focus on in your resume and interview. If you find out the company values integrity and collaboration skills, you can get some examples ready to share in an interview about situations in school, groups, internships, or part-time jobs where you’ve been able to show your integrity and how well you work with others.

Of course (and this does happen), in the process of getting answers to your questions, you may find out you no longer want to apply to a particular company. That’s actually a good thing! Scratch that company off your list, and focus your energy on getting a job in a different company that’s a better fit for your specific likes, dislikes, and talents.

Once you know about the companies where you’d like to work, you can use the same ideas to find out about a specific division, department, or branch office. Most of the time, there’s a ton of information out there about the particular area you’re interested in.