How to research a company for a job interview
You should know just how important it is to thoroughly research a company before a job interview, but many people aren’t sure where to look or what to look for. Read on for some tips on how to get an understanding of a company that will help you secure the position.
Where do you start looking?
- The company website
Go through and find their mission, vision and values. Find their press section and read from their perspective what’s been happening in the company and their recent achievements.
- Corporate blog
If the company has a blog, it’s also a good place to look for information. Read some of the more recent posts to see what they’re talking about.
- Social media
Most companies have some social media presence these days, so browse their pages and get a feeling of how they portray themselves. You should definitely start with LinkedIn.
- Ask your network
Find out if anyone you know has worked there, or if they know someone who has. Finding out first-hand information can be invaluable.
- Search
There may be news articles that aren’t on the company’s press section, these will often tell you what’s been happening from the industry’s perspective.
What are you looking for?
The objective of carrying out this research is to:
- Understand the company and the industry
- Identify any issues the company may be facing
- Prepare to illustrate how you can be of value to the company
Having done this research you should be ready to answer the important questions, ready to ask the right questions, and in a position to connect your skills to the company’s needs.