Interview can be particularly nerve-wracking to prepare for. Of course, the best way for an interviewee to prepare for his or her actual interview is to research the company they are interviewing with. Being able to show that you know about what your company culture is, your company values, and what has recently been going on at the company, for example, will make an impression that you really would like to join the team. Throughout this article we guide you step by step through practical steps on how to research a company prior to your interview and will further enlighten you as to why it is so important.
Why Researching the Company Matters
Let’s talk about the why before we talk about how-to. Why is research into a company so critical?
It shows interest: What do your responses say, other than you have put some time aside to find out about the company? Well, this speaks quite well of your interest in the role. This is what employers love-to have interested applicants who are interested in their organization.
Links responses to the company mission, values, and culture. Knowing the mission, values, and culture of the company will enable you to create a response while answering their questions that can present you as the ideal candidate for the team.
It makes you prepared for questions they would throw during the interview, such as recent projects they have undertaken, what values the company holds or the challenges that they face. With the preparation using this information, you answer with confidence.
It also readies you to ask good questions, which an interview is a two-way street. Even though doing your research on the company prepares you to ask good, thoughtful questions, it may impress the interviewer and help you figure out if the company is a good fit for you.
Research the Social Media Profiles
Social media gives a more casual view of the company’s culture and values. Here’s how to take advantage of it:
- LinkedIn: Try to follow the company on LinkedIn. Check their posts about the current projects and culture of the company. See also if you have a connection to the company that might add more valuable insights.
- For Twitter and Facebook,:check if they can mostly revolve around company culture, employee achievements, or community involvement. Look for posts with a message they’re trying to show off or their latest event participation.
Read Employee Reviews
For instance, sites like Glassdoor or Indeed share their experience in work life by the current or previous employees who have worked with a specific company. However, regardless of the context, an opinion can be biased; yet sometimes a particular individual’s review can contain great information about the corporate culture and the atmosphere within the work.
- Look for Common Themes: This will help you realize what everyone’s saying, mostly comments about work culture and management style of that firm and how you, in general, perceive that this employee satisfaction.
- Understand the Challenges: Yes, of course, look for what is good, but in parallel, also find possible red flags. If so many reviews are complaining on the same issue, there is a possibility to address that during your selection.
Research Industry Trends
Knowing the industry at which the company is based will give you an understanding regarding your interview. Here is how to do it
- Using online resources: Such data and insight for trends as well as challenges the industry goes through can be seen on the sites like Statista, or through various publications specifically for a particular industry. These things will help one frame proper answers during an interview.
- Track Competitors: Knowing the competitors of the company gives a broader view of the landscape of market competition. Knowing who its competitor is and how it is different helps in discussing the position of the company.
Read Current News Stories
Find current news stories about the company. Use Google News. Listen for these:
- Recent Successes: Is the company launching a new product, winning an award, or otherwise in the news for something positive? You can use these as conversation starters to prove you’re up-to-date.
- Challenges or Controversies: Be aware of any challenges or controversies there may be. That’s likely to question what the company is doing about those challenges. Being aware of that will keep you in a position to answer wisely.
Network with Existing Employees
You can reach out to some existing employees in your network through LinkedIn or other common contacts.
- Informational Interviews: Ask them if they would be open to a brief conversation about their experiences at the company. This will allow you to receive firsthand information on the culture and work environment in which you are entering.
- Be Respectful: Briefly politely approach them. Clearly express what you are hoping to learn.
Prepare Questions for the Interview
As you collect information, you may well prepare some excellent questions for the interview, which will show engagement and interest in the job. Here are a few examples:
- About Company Culture: “How would you describe the company culture here? What kind of qualities do successful employees typically have?”
- About Future Projects: “Just read that the company recently launches [specific project or product]. Can you give more information about its goals, and what the team does with it?”
- About Professional Development: “What opportunities do the company offer for growth and professional development?”
About Your Findings
Finally, reflect on your experience by passing through the training course. Reflect on your skill sets and experiences that are similar to the values and needs of the company. You will probably have a good fit in the interview where you get to discuss your responses.
Conclusion
Researching about the company before interviewing them is part of the procedure for job application. In this instance, not only have you shown interest, but also prepared with information to satisfy interviewers.
Remember, interviewing not just allows you to reply, but also allows you find out whether this company is suitable for your career aims and values. If so, then you will certainly be prepared, feel confident walking in there, and make an impression on the interviewer for the right reasons. Good luck
FAQ’s
How to research a company before interviewing?
Go to the company website and research the company. You will know the company’s mission, products, and culture. Read up on recent news articles or check out platforms like Glassdoor for employee reviews, which will help you craft insightful questions and adjust your responses.
What Tool Is Usually Used to Research a Company Before the Interview?
A good source for researching companies would be LinkedIn, as you could look at company profiles, connections with employees, and insights on the industry.