Should you go to your interview well-prepared to speak about yourself and your accomplishments, but you should have some knowledge about the job, the organization, and the interviewer as well. Gaining that knowledge requires research (otherwise known as work). As a result, many end up treating job information research as they did their high school term papers: They slap it together and hope for the best. This lack of preparation often shows in the interview, which is the reason why the extra work is worth it.
Being well-informed about the industry you want to join will help you present yourself well. It can give you a better sense of the growth potential of the organization and the changes that are taking place in the field. The following resources can help you find information about any industry.
This book, published by the U.S. Department of Labor, provides helpful descriptions for more than 40 major industries, which cover about 75 percent of all jobs. Each description includes an overview of the industry, types of jobs it offers, employment projections, earning, training required, working conditions, industry trends, and more. You can Career Guide to Industries in your local library or bookstore or access it online at stats.bls.gov/oco/cg/home.htm. 40 Best Fields for Your Career (JIST) includes similar information plus useful "best fields" charts for comparing the industries.
This site (www.hoovers.com) is the place to go online to find anything you need to know about industries and employers. You can search for information by company name, industry type, executives' names, and more. Basic information is free.
Found at your library, this resource is a gold mine of associations listed by categories. Each entry give the contact information, mission statement, newsletters, and conventions for that group. Pick the ones in your industry category that closely match the jobs you are interested in and check out their Web sites.
You probably know that sort of job you want, but learning more about the jobs you're interested in is still a good idea. By researching various options, you can
Increase opportunities in your job search by identifying a wider range of job targets. There are thousands of specialized job titles, and you are almost certain to overlook many that would fit your needs if you don't do some research.
Improve your interview skills. People who do their homework by carefully reading a job description and then mentioning key skills that job requires in an interview often get job offers over those with better credentials.
Write better resume. Knowing the specific skills a job requires allows you to focus on those skills your resume and cover letters.
Out of the hundreds of sources of career information, the few that follow will give you most of what you need.
The Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) is the most widely used career information resource available. It provides descriptions for the more than 250 jobs held by nearly 90 percent of the workforce. The OOH is updated every two years by the U.S. Department of Labor and provides the latest information on salaries, growth projections, related jobs, required skills, education or training needed, and working conditions. Its even indicates trend that are affecting the job and the industry and lists related professional associations and their Web sites.
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