Every job interview has the potential to be a pivotal moment in your career journey. The outcome can determine your immediate career path as well as your long-term professional trajectory, making it important to put your best foot forward!
However, acing an interview is more than just showing up and talking about your skills, experiences, and personality. Success lies in how you prepare for your interview, and a big part of this involves research.
In this blog, we’ll break down the basics of how to research a company before an interview and how to incorporate your knowledge during the interview.
Why you should research a company before your job interview
Researching a company before a job interview is not just a recommended step— it’s a crucial one.
Here are several compelling reasons why dedicating time to this pre-interview preparation is essential:
- It showcases genuine interest: When you demonstrate that you’ve taken the time to get to know the company, its history, and its current initiatives, you send a strong signal that you’re genuinely interested in the role.
- You can align yourself with company values: Understanding a company’s core values and culture is vital. It allows you to assess whether you’d be a good fit for the organization and if the company aligns with your own values and career goals.
- It helps you tailor your responses: Armed with knowledge about the company’s products, services, and recent achievements, you can tailor your responses during the interview to highlight how your skills and experiences can contribute to the company’s success. This approach can make a significant impact on your interview performance.
- You are equipped to ask well-informed questions: Well-researched candidates are more likely to ask thoughtful, relevant questions during the interview. This demonstrates your genuine interest and helps you gain a deeper understanding of the company’s expectations and the role you’re applying for.
On top of all of this, being well-informed about the company can boost your confidence. You’ll feel more prepared to answer questions about the company and your fit within it, reducing nervousness during the interview.
How to research a company before your interview
When it comes to researching a company before an interview, a systematic approach can make all the difference.
1. Start with the basics.
Start with the company’s official website to get a good overview of who they are. This can typically be found on a company’s website under an “About Us” or similar section. Things to look for include:
- Mission
- Values
- Products
- Services
In addition, you should familiarize yourself with the key members of the leadership team, including the CEO, founders, and head of the department for the role you’re apply to. While you don’t need to know every detail about their lives, simply knowing their name can go a long way if you’re quizzed about it during the interview.
2. Explore recent news and press releases.
Check for a “News” or “Press” section on the website. This is where you can find the company’s latest achievements, announcements, and strategic directions. Pay attention to recent developments, such as product launches or expansions, as they may come up in your interview.
3. Connect on social media.
Follow the company on social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram to stay updated on their latest updates, culture, and community involvement.
By actively engaging with the company on social media and using these platforms as research tools, you can gain a well-rounded understanding of their online presence, how they interact with their audience, and any recent developments that may be relevant to your interview discussions. This additional layer of research can help you stand out as a well-informed and proactive candidate during your interview.
4. Use your network.
Leverage your network and professional platforms like LinkedIn for insights or connections.
If you know someone within your network who works at or has connections with the company, they may be able to provide a referral or, at the very least, valuable information about the company and their interview process.
Professional platforms like LinkedIn can also provide a valuable look into company culture, employee experiences, and potential interviewers.
5. Read reviews and employee feedback.
Websites like JobSage, Glassdoor, and Indeed often feature employer reviews and ratings. Reading these can offer candid insights into company culture, work-life balance, and the interview process.
While your findings may not necessarily be something you bring up during the interview, this info can help you better assess whether or not the company is right for you.
6. Study the industry.
To truly comprehend a company’s position and potential challenges, it can help to get a better grasp on the industry’s landscape. In order to do this:
- Identify key players: Identify the major companies and competitors within the industry.
- Look at industry trends: Stay updated on current industry trends, emerging technologies, and market shifts.
- Understand what makes the company different from their competitors: Get insights into what sets the company apart from its competitors, such as unique value propositions, innovative approaches, or distinctive market positioning.
By studying the industry, you gain contextual awareness of the environment in which the company operates. This knowledge allows you to frame your interview responses in a broader context, demonstrating that you not only understand the company but also the challenges and opportunities it faces.
How to apply your research during the interview
Once you’ve done your homework and gathered valuable insights about the company, it’s time to use that knowledge effectively during your interview.
1. Incorporate company insights into your answers.
During the interview, make an effort to naturally integrate what you’ve learned about the company. For instance, if you were asked how you see yourself fitting in at the company, you can mention their products or ongoing initiatives, and then explain how your skills and experiences directly align with these aspects.
By doing this, you’re not just answering questions— you’re demonstrating that you’ve done your homework and that you’re genuinely excited about the company’s endeavors. This approach allows you to connect the dots between your background and the company’s goals, showing how you can be a valuable asset.
Keep in mind that the key here is to weave in relevant information naturally. There’s no need to drop facts about the company within every answer you give.
2. Highlight cultural fit.
Emphasizing your cultural fit is all about showcasing how your values, work style, and passions align with those of the company.
Say you’re applying to a company that lists collaboration as a core value. To highlight how you’d fit in at the company, you can talk about your collaborative work style. Be sure to illustrate specific examples where you’ve successfully worked with a team to accomplish a goal.
This connection can leave a strong impression on your interviewers. It indicates that you’re a qualified candidate and someone who’s poised to thrive within the company’s unique environment.
3. Showcase your understanding of the industry.
During the interview, delve into industry trends and challenges, and then relate them back to the company’s specific context. This approach demonstrates that you’re well aware of the bigger picture, beyond just the company itself. It shows your ability to think holistically and contribute effectively by understanding how the company fits into the broader industry landscape.
4. Ask informed questions.
Prepare a list of questions based on your research. Asking thoughtful and relevant questions demonstrates your excitement to work there and signifies your active engagement with the company. It’s also your chance to dig deeper into aspects that matter to you and to gain a clearer understanding of what it’s like to work for the company.
5. Demonstrate long-term commitment.
If you genuinely envision a long-term future with the company, express your eagerness to commit. Mention how your career aspirations align with the company’s trajectory. This shows your enthusiasm and reassures the company that you’re in it for the long haul.
Use your company research to get ahead
In the competitive world of job interviews, knowing how to research a company beforehand can make all the difference. Your ability to demonstrate genuine interest, align with company values, and showcase your understanding of the organization can set you apart as an exceptional candidate.
The more you invest in understanding the company, the better equipped you’ll be to secure the job of your dreams!