4 ways you should research a company before your interview
You sent your resume, and now they want to interview you. Great! Hopefully, you have already prepped for the most common interview questions. But just like your resume should be customized for the job you are applying for, your interview responses should connect with that organization. To help, you need to research the company or organization before your first interview.
First, what do they say about themselves?
The best place to start is the company itself. Check their website and social media channels. What they highlight, and don’t highlight, can tell you a lot about a company and its priorities.
Company website: Read the mission statement, “About” page, leader bios and Annual Report.
Corporate Citizenship: Statements to share their stance and steps to improve Diversity & Inclusion, sustainability or support to the community and nonprofit organizations.
Social Media Channels: Discover their focus on LinkedIn and watch how company employees engage with comments. On Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, observe postings and see how they respond to negative customer comments.
Blogs and social media channels from company leaders. Look for authenticity and determine the company’s values and mission.
Second, what do their employees say about them?
It’s often the first place job seekers check and for good reason. It’s good to know what employees say about their current or former employer. Glassdoor is a popular site, but there are many others. That includes sites for job listings that combine company reviews, all in one place.
Indeed: If you’re looking for a job, you might have already visited this site. The site now includes company reviews, along with job listings.
Comparably: Read anonymous employee reviews and compare the company to others in the same industry.
Remember, it’s easy for people to go on these sites and anonymously bash a current or former employer. Look for trends and common themes. Give more attention to reviews that are professional and constructive.
Reach out to people in the company that you know and ask if they enjoy working for the company and feel confident in the company’s direction. Start with a search on LinkedIn.
Third, what has the media written?
A quick Google search should uncover any problems the company has faced. Market successes, achievements, nonprofit involvement….or, financial struggles, scandals and legal battles. It will all be there. Also check:
Trade publications
Sites specific to the industry (i.e., Charity Navigator if interviewing with a nonprofit)
Fourth, what is the competition doing?
Preparing for an interview means knowing the industry and understanding the competition is essential to that knowledge. Compare social media strategies, product launches, research focus, or whatever is important for your role. Uncover missed opportunities by researching how the competition is growing.
Incorporate into your prep
Be strategic in your preparation. Determine how to weave your research into the conversation. At a minimum, be prepared to give specifics related to the company to respond to “Why do you want to work here?” and have one or two questions specific to the company and the industry. By doing this, you demonstrate that you were prepared for the interview and interested in learning more about the company.
