I’ve worked with hundreds of clients helping them to develop a strategy and provide mock interview preparations so that they leave impressions that get job offers. It’s amazing to me how frequently people skip this important task of thoroughly researching the company before their interview! In the current job market, companies expect you to know a lot about them and why you would be a good fit for the position for which you’re interviewing.
Saying that you heard X company is “cool” or is “really successful” or that “they treat their employees well” just isn’t going to cut it: Your reason for wanting to work for a company needs to be much more than the fact that it might look good on your resume as a next career step. You want to pivot from articulating what the company could do for you to a mentality of articulating what you can offer to that company. How can you help to make it more successful?
Here are some strategic ways to research the company with which you’re interviewing:
- Start with the company website. Familiarize yourself with their products and services. Look for information about the culture, and read the bios of the company leadership. Be prepared to have a point of view about their products and services, as you may be asked to articulate what you like and what you would change about their offerings.
- Check out their social media channels to get more information on their culture. This is increasingly important, as many companies are taking strides to become more environmentally conscious or socially responsible. You will want to articulate your own personal connection to these efforts so as to demonstrate your value to their team.
- Research their competition. It’s a common question right now for a company to ask you who their competition is, along with inquiring if you understand their niche in the marketplace.
- Consider reaching out to individuals who used to work there. You can find former employees on LinkedIn, and they may be able to share valuable insights into their interview process, along with information about the key players.
- Do your Google research on the company. Read what is being said about them in the news. Try to find out how they are planning to grow in the future and what their current pain points are. It goes without saying that you should know how their stock is doing if they are publicly traded.
- Check out Glassdoor.com to read reviews by current and past employees about the company culture. Keep in mind that these reviews often skew negative, so also be objective about the information that you discover.
Doing exhaustive research on the company with which you are interviewing is one way to separate yourself from your competition. You will also boost your confidence when you walk into an interview knowing that you have done your due diligence about the company.
Let’s have a conversation about your career goals and your job search. You can set up a free introductory phone session here:
https://calendly.com/frankthecoach/15min
I look forward to hearing from you soon!