If you’ve ever gone to a job interview unprepared, you know how awkward and uncomfortable the experience can be.
You stumble over your answers, forget important details, and leave feeling like you’ve blown your chance at landing the job.
But the good news is that with a little bit of research, you can avoid this scenario altogether.
In this article, we’ll discuss how to research a company before an interview so you can make a great first impression.
Why Researching the Company is Important
Before we dive into the specifics of how to research a company, let’s take a moment to discuss why this step is so crucial.
The truth is, most interviewers expect candidates to come to the interview with some basic knowledge of the company.
If you show up without knowing anything about the organization you’re interviewing with, it sends the message that you’re not particularly interested in the job or the company.
On the other hand, if you can demonstrate that you’ve done your homework and you have a genuine interest in the organization, you’ll stand out from the competition.
Start with the Company Website
The first step in your research should be to visit the company website.
This will give you a broad overview of the organization and its mission, as well as its products or services.
Take some time to explore the site, paying particular attention to the “About Us” and “Mission Statement” sections.
This will help you understand the company’s values and goals, which will be useful when you’re preparing your interview answers.
Dig Deeper with LinkedIn
Once you’ve familiarized yourself with the company website, it’s time to dig a little deeper.
LinkedIn is a great resource for this step. Search for the company on LinkedIn, and then look at the company page to learn more about its employees and culture.
This will give you a better sense of the people you’ll be working with if you get the job, as well as the company’s overall work environment.
Check Out Social Media
In addition to LinkedIn, social media can be a valuable tool for researching a company.
Check out the organization’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages to get a sense of its brand and public persona.
You may also find useful information on these platforms about the company’s recent projects or initiatives.
Read Company Reviews
Another useful source of information is company reviews.
Sites like Glassdoor and Indeed allow current and former employees to leave reviews of their experiences working for a particular company.
Reading these reviews can give you valuable insight into the company’s management style, work culture, and potential drawbacks.
Talk to People in the Industry
Finally, don’t underestimate the power of networking.
If you know people in the industry who have worked with the company in the past, reach out to them for their perspective.
They may be able to provide you with insider information that you wouldn’t be able to find through online research.
Conclusion
In conclusion, researching a company before an interview is an essential step in the job application process.
It demonstrates your interest in the job and helps you prepare thoughtful interview answers.
By following the tips outlined in this article, you’ll be well on your way to making a great first impression.
FAQs
Should I research the company even if it’s just a preliminary interview?
Absolutely. Even if it’s just a screening interview, you should still come prepared with basic knowledge of the company.
How much time should I spend researching the company?
It’s a good idea to spend at least an hour or two researching the company before an interview.
What if I can’t find much information about the company online?
If you’re having trouble finding information, reach out to the company’s HR department.
