Know your field of work.
The more people you know in your chosen field of work and the industry in general, the greater your chances of learning about job opportunities and industry trends which could work in your favour. Join a professional organization in your industry and attend as many meetings as you can. If you have the time, volunteer for committees or management positions. This demonstrates to others in the field your interest, confidence and commitment. Study the upcoming trends in the industry and any new skills that are likely to be needed. Make sure you are well informed about every facet of the industry - even those areas not directly connected with your work - you never know when that information is going to be useful or when having that knowledge could lead to a promotion.
Research your target employers thoroughly.
For each potential employer there are a myriad of things that you should know before you get to an interview.
- Find out all the information you can about the company: Specifically
- Their Products
- Number of staff and the staff reporting relationships
- Who you would be working with
- What the working environment is like
- How are staff treated
- Read the annual report and know all about their financial situation
- Find out all you can about their clients so that you know who you will be dealing with
- Talk to other staff or people who deal with the company
- Find out what you can about their development plans for new products or business streams.
- Find out why they have advertised a position - growth or replacement?
Your Application
Prepare your application carefully making sure that it is relevant to to position being applied for.
Do your research! 