CAREERS FOR SINGLE MOMS

BE PREPARED 

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Research the company
Know why you want the job
Some helpful things
Preparation, preparation and preparation

Research the company
Do your homework before interviews by researching the company and the industry. Below are some good sources of information:

• Public Library

• Annual reports (or any literature from the Public Relations department) - for larger, publicly held companies

• The Internet (do a search by the company name, or its products and services)

• Salary ranges (www.wageweb.com)

You should become familiar with the organization's products, structure, services, financial status, competitors, reputation and any recent major changes. Some interviewers may even ask if you have done any research on their company and are familiar with any of their products or services. 

Know why you want the job & Identify your wants and needs
There are so many questions you can ask yourself before applying for the position. I s this a company you would like to work for?  Is it close to daycare, your child's school or babysitter?  Does it pay well?  Will this be a position I will be happy in?  Do they have good benefits?  Can I benefit from this job?  Will this position allow me to progress in the company?  Is this a job or will this be my career??  Keeping all this and more in mind, it really comes down to just two.  "Is this the right job for me?", and "Am I the right person for this job?".  If you can answer positively to both of these questions, then you are almost ready for an interview.

If you identify your wants (more money, close to home, lots of vacation and paid time off) and your needs (additional income to cover all expenses; medical, dental & life insurance; investment & retirement plans; stability), you can prepare yourself to better answer and ask some basic questions. Most interviewers will ask why you would want to work for their company.  Steer clear from responses like "I need the money", "This looks like a company I would like to work for", or any other non-referencing responses.  Below are some examples of responses:

• I feel I'm well-suited for this position, given my experience and skills in...

• This position will enable me to apply my skills and experience...

• I believe that this company can benefit from my experience as a ...

Remember to use your research when preparing for the interview and be sure you are able to support your answers with specific examples of your skills and experience. Most interviewers will also ask you if you have any questions.  Going back to preparing yourself to ask some basic questions, keep in mind your needs:

• What is the salary for this position?

• What benefits are available to me and my family?

• Does this position offer a flexible schedule? 

• What is your management style?

• What is the company structure?  Is there an open door policy?

• What's the company's vision?

Incorporating your research into your responses can demonstrate your desire to become a part of the company and its heritage, making you a good candidate for the job.  Being more informed of the company and position than most applicants also makes a lasting impression in the interview.

Some helpful things
Being prepared also means stocking some supplies that can help keep you organized and on the right track. 

• Keep enough matching stationery on hand to print your resumes, cover letters and other correspondence.

• Know where you're going in advance. Get precise directions, ask if there are any landmarks or what the nearest cross street is, and leave yourself plenty of time to get there.

• Prepare an interview wardrobe: select one or two conservative outfits or suits and polish your shoes.

• Prepare a folder to bring with you on interviews. It should contain extra resumes in a plastic sleeve, a pen and some paper to make notes before, during and after the interview.

• Bring to the interview your interview folder, your references, the names of the people you are meeting and the address with directions. 

• A brush or comb, tissues and breath mints are always handy to keep in your purse, briefcase or pockets.

• Arrive at the interviewer's office 10 -15 minutes early (not the parking lot or general area, but actually inside the office).

• Be courteous and polite and smile to EVERYONE in the office.  Interviewers might ask other employees of their impression of you.

• Make sure you can be reached, whether by phone, fax or email and not by pager.  

• Follow up with thank you letters immediately.

Preparation, preparation and preparation
No matter how well qualified you are and how well you speak, there is nothing that beats being prepared. Once you have practiced asking and answering questions, the next step is to relax and remind yourself that you are well-suited to the position and that you would be an asset to the company. Afterwards, imagine being in the interview feeling calm and confident, answering the questions with ease and building a good rapport with your interviewer. 

Schedule and plan everything in advance. Rushing around to get everything together at the last minute will only add to the stress and anxiety of the interview.  Make sure that all your arrangements are made way ahead of time for babysitting or daycare.  Schedule plenty of time to pick up dry cleaning, put gas in your car or arrange for transportation.  It's also important to get a good night's sleep. If everything goes well, you should be more than ready to do the best you can.