Q How can I prepare for an interview by viewing the employer’s website?

A It’s sad but true that many job seekers have arrived at interviews only to discover they know little about the place where the job is situated. Part of interview preparation is not only knowing your job specialty but also to discover what the employer does. One way of doing this is to review the employer’s website to gain an understanding of the business. There are several things a website can tell you about an organisation.

FIND the names of key people in the business in the area you may be working. Find out about their backgrounds and areas of expertise.

FIND out how the organisation is tracking financially by looking for annual reports. See what areas are growing.

This can provide you background when you are given a chance to ask the employer questions at the end of the interview.

SEE if you can get a feel for the image they wish to present to the community. Is this the sort of image that aligns to your values?

CHECK out their products or services and locations thoroughly. You may be asked about them or whether you can travel regularly to their points of representation.

ONCE armed with this information, you are better prepared for your interview.

You can also cross-check the official information with web searches on the organisation and with people who have or currently work there.

A growing area of importance for the employer is to determine whether there is a good fit into their culture. Lack of fit is often a reason many choose to leave quickly. A background check of the employer will help minimise the risk of a mismatch. Researching the potential employer will make the transition smoother, and help you decide whether it’s really for you.

Source: Warren Frehse, Author

Published: Herald Sun Career One Saturday 15 August 2009

Retaining good staff members is always an issue for employers. This month we look at three valuable ideas for showing staff that they and their contributions are valued.

1. Encourage regular meetings with certain fixed and certain variable agenda items. Always on the list should be how are things going? from both the employer and employee point of view. Are we within our agreements as to time off and if not, how and when do we get back on track. How might we try doing something differently to make our relationship more satisfying? For example, do we need to schedule a couple of down days next week to get caught up with things?

2. Develop a rewards-and-recognition policy that includes all staff, an annual personal letter of appreciation works wonders around the holidays especially. Add a bonus and your are King or Queen in the eyes of a devoted staff member. A couple of tickets to a special event with the time off along with the tickets! Encouraging staff to continue to learn with continuing education in the areas of expertise in your private service.

3. Support employee wellness. Encourage staff to provide great service, but not at the risk of inappropriate work habits. Recognise when a staff person is putting in long hours, is acting unhappy, or is sick a bit too often. Loneliness is common in private service. You might say: ‘I am not paying all this compensation just to baby my staff and be their personal assistants’. The Guild’s recommendation is simply to encourage mutual respect in your own actions. What you get in return is a reason for staff to create that genuine attitude of being there for you for many years!”

Source – ‘How to keep staff’, Butlers Guild

http://www.butlersguild.com/index.php?subject=19