There are many reasons to prepare for an interview, not least of which is to ensure that you successfully negotiate an appropriate salary. J.T O’Donnell of LinkedIn offers advice on salary discussions. Effective negotiation 
requires the initial setting of an appropriate desired salary range, which requires knowledge of industry comparables and an understanding of your value to the company.
Another key reason to prepare for an interview is to convince the interviewer that you have carefully considered the job, are enthusiastic about the role, and think you are the right candidate. Unprepared responses to questions such as “Why are you interested in this position?” will quickly imply that you are not serious.
- Greene of U.S. News suggests that understanding your strengths and weaknesses will help you respond to the common question “Tell me one of your greatest strengths.” Other subjects that should be examined and that may well be covered in an interview include career goals, academic achievements, past work experience, and skills relevant to the job.
- Thorough preparation of responses to questions on all these subjects shows initiative and a serious work attitude. Interviewers can quickly tell how much preparation you have done, and poor responses due to a lack of preparation will eliminate you as a candidate.
- A good interviewer will also want to cast the company in a favorable light to you. A basic knowledge of the company is expected. If the interviewer finds that you know very little about the work of the company, it will appear that you have little interest in determining whether you will fit with the culture. At least research the company size, the business area, and the type of client.
You may be asked what salary you require. According to O’Donnell, this question is best answered by providing a salary range. Without preparation, you may have no idea what amount you can safely request. You are likely to either price yourself out of the job, or fail to understand your worth. Researching company benefits will indicate if there are additional ways to negotiate; for example, requesting additional paid leave in lieu of a higher salary.
Contact a PrideStaff Las Vegas employment professional for advice on interview preparation. We can educate you before your interview so that you arrive prepared and confident that you are an impressive candidate.
