Smart interview preparation. Walks you through simple steps to prepare for an interview.

1. Sip™
Smart Interview Preparation
Sip™ is designed to walk you through a structured process to prepare for a strong
and focused interview. Strong preparation supports a confident and direct
conversation about your real skills and your ability to immediately impact the
interview team.
See below for the first five section heading explanations:
Company Name. Interview Date. Location and Start Time.
Whether you have two weeks or two days to prepare, it is important to start with
the basics. Map the location and drive it a day or two before the interview. Do it
at the same time you'll be driving a day or two later. Arrive early. This helps you
relax.
Company History and Culture.
You can learn a great deal from a look at where a company has been. Have there
been struggles (financial or strategic)? Is it a new product rich environment or a
company relying upon historical products or services to succeed today? What do
these things say about the culture? Importance of innovation? This may be an
important component for you as you identify a target company.
Industry Trends and Competitive Review
What's happening in the company's industry may have an impact on its decision-
making. Are there any large macro issues facing them and their competitors? For
example, are they uniquely impacted by high gas prices? Who are their
competitors and what are their new products? Does the company have number one
brands or is it a second tier company in a very competitive category?
Company Strategy and Recent Results
What is the stated objective of the company? Where is it looking to go? If you are
in IT, what might be the impact on the company's use of technology? Is the
company riding a few big recent successes? Has it struggled to get traction?
Interview Team Vetting
Who will interview you? Can you find out in advance? If so, look them up on
Google or Linkedin. How long have they worked for the company? Have they spent
their entire career in this industry? If the hiring manager has been in their position
for less than a year, they will be more likely to listen to messages of change than if
they've been in that role for 10 years. A more established manager may be more
defensive to a more aggressive approach. This also helps in developing a person-
specific list of questions.
For additional section headings and to view the original post, click
here: http://tinyurl.com/qqr8pg
Sip™ © 2008-2009 Spin Strategy™ http://www.spinstrategy.com

2. Sip™
Smart Interview Preparation
Company Name: Interview Date:
Location: First Interview Time:
Company History and Culture:
Industry Trends and Competitor Review:
Company Strategy and Recent Results:
Interview Team Vetting (name, title, Google or Linkedin findings):
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Key Product Review and Usage Results:
Sip™ © 2008-2009 Spin Strategy™ http://www.spinstrategy.com

3. Sip™
Smart Interview Preparation
Specific Job Requirements My Strengths and Experience
1. Example 1 Fit rating 1-5
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Three Relevant and Tangible Successes or Experiences:
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My Questions:
Beginning
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Middle
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End/Summary
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Positioning Objective for Today:
Post-Interview Instant Reactions:
Sip™ © 2008-2009 Spin Strategy™ http://www.spinstrategy.com