During a job interview, you’re likely to be asked why you want to work at the company and why you’re excited about the role. To answer these common interview questions effectively, you need an in-depth understanding of the company. You need to demonstrate that you’ve taken the time to understand the company’s mission, values, operations, and goals. The interviewer wants to know that you’re not just looking for any job, you’re truly excited about the role and company. By thoroughly researching the company, you’ll be able to show why you’re interested in the role and company and why you’re a good fit. Here’s how to research for a job interview.
1. Explore the company website:
Start by reading the company website to get a thorough understanding of the company. I recommend checking these pages:
-About us: Learn about the company’s history, the products or services it offers, and the organization’s mission and values.
-Careers page: Read about the team, values, company culture, and what it’s like to work at the company. Many companies describe their professional development programs, employee resource groups, and the benefits and perks they offer employees.
-Products or services: This is where you can learn about the products or services the company offers and what makes them unique.
-Press: Read recent press releases and news about the company.
2. Check the company’s social media profiles:
Next, look at the company’s social media profiles to learn about how they promote their products or services. This step can also help you get a feel for the company culture, dress code, and updates like new offerings.
3. Read employee reviews:
You should take company reviews on sites like Glassdoor, Comparably, and Indeed with a grain of salt — people usually only write reviews if they love something or hate it — but it can help you learn what it’s like to work at the company. I also recommend clicking “Interviews” to learn about the interview process and questions you might be asked.
4. Learn about the team:
Research for a job interview by finding out more about your interviewer and key team members. Learn about:
–The interviewer: I’m always less nervous for an interview when I know a little bit about the interviewer. I recommend checking their LinkedIn page to see their work history and education. You might be able to bring up something you have in common, like that you both went to the same university or worked at the same company.
–The leadership team: Familiarize yourself with the founders and executives by skimming their bios on the company website.
5. Engage your network:
If you get to the final stage of the interview process, it’s helpful to speak with people who work at the company or worked there previously. They are likely to be more honest about their experience so you can get a feel for whether you want to join the team. Use LinkedIn to see if any of your connections work at the company or worked there previously or if you know anyone who can make an introduction. You’re more likely to get a response if you have an easy “ask.” Instead of asking them to meet or speak on the phone, introduce yourself, mention that you are interviewing at the company, and ask if they enjoy working at the company and how they’d describe the company culture.
6. Review the job description:
This is the most important thing you can do to research for a job interview. Look at the job description again to understand the responsibilities and necessary skills and experience. Review your resume and make sure you can discuss how you’ve gained the skills and experience they need from past roles or your academic achievements.
Great tips! Doing your research and asking smart questions is key to acing an interview.
http://www.livinginsteil.com
I definitely will have to keep these key things in mind for my next interview!
Mikayla | A Seersucker State of Mind.
These tips truly will make a difference – my boyfriend spent the summer interviewing for his first job and made sure to do this type of research beforehand. It really helped!
I always love your career posts! This one is especially useful!!!
xoxo A
http://www.southernbelleintraining.com
Great tips!
Not doing your homework beforehand is a surefire way to get caught off guard and ultimately ruin your chances.
xoxo, Jenny || Breakfast at Lillys
These are really great tips. Most people don’t think about doing research on a company before going in for an interview but it’s so important! I interned with a company out in Pittsburgh but I did my research beforehand. I needed to prove to them I knew about their company and I wanted to work for them even though I wasn’t from that area!
Kayla | kaylablogs.com
This is such a great post! It’s so important to know the details about a company before the interview. I just listened in on an interview and the girl had no idea about our company’s history. She said how she has always wanted to work for a start-up… yet we have been in business for 40 years… ouch. Needless to say she didn’t get hired. Know you facts 😉 Such a great post!
http://anchoredtosunshine.com
Excellent points! I had one job interview last summer, where I wished that I had researched the company a bit more, as I was a bit clueless to some of their history.
I definitely agree with having to know key team members. In my Public Health class today we discussed how important it is to even know people in charge at a national level (in the Department of Health/Human Services, in my case) because you never know what’s going to come up and what someone is going to ask! I also think that knowing important team members shows interest and dedication to the company.
http://thealwaysblog.com
So very true! I’ve went into interviews uninformed in the past- no way are you getting that job, the company wants to feel valued!
Great tips! I think that pre-interview research is key to killin’ it! I searched far and wide to find info on my current company before my interview. I wish I had known people there beforehand so I could discuss things with them first!
What awesome tips! I know it’s not easy for lots of people to nail interviews, and these are certainly tips that will set any interviewee apart from the rest.
Great advice, this information should be easy enough to research and knowing it definitely makes you look informed during an interview!
The best thing you can do is see the latest company news because it’s a great way to spark conversation when you’re on the interview. I know it’s something I depend on! x Nicole | http://www.changeanddress.com
Great tips! I’m applying for jobs and I love your career advice!
Thank you, Ally! That means so much to me!
I love this post, I agree, company news is important, as well as the other two. But we forget that we have access to news so easily these days, and it can be extremely beneficial to remain on top of these things as we research potential new jobs.
Nancy Laws
Great tips! Such good insight!
http://www.kayleighskloset.com
SOOO true! And always come prepared with knowledge about the company! They may ask!!
Nicole // Chronicling Home
Such important tips! I can’t believe how many people go into interviews expecting to get hired when they barely know anything about the company!
Courtney// As We Stumble Along
Yes. These are all so crucial when interviewing and really can apply to any job situation!
xo Ashley
Great tips and I always love reading your career advice posts!!
Keeping this in mind for my next interview! I love the idea of Google Alerts for a brand.
xo, Alicia | Alicia Tenise
These are great tips! I always do this before going in for an interview. It’s soooo important. For my first job, I was working as an office assistant at a public adjusting firm and when I got called in for the interview, i had no idea what a public adjuster was! So, I made sure to google it and make myself as knowledgable on the subject as possible. First thing they asked me is if I knew what a public adjuster was. Imagine if I would’ve said “don’t have a clue” haha!
xo // http://www.thematerialgirl.co
Learning about the company is a big tip! They really like to know that you’ve done your research. Great tips!
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