The Art of Researching Companies During the Interview Process
Thoroughly researching a company often slips under the radar during interviews. While nailing your answers is crucial, asking insightful questions matters just as much. At SalesFirst Recruiting, we’ve noticed that candidates sometimes skip this essential groundwork. Let’s dive into why company research matters and how you can excel in this area.
Why Company Research Matters
Before your interview, consider that spending time with the company can significantly enhance your understanding of the job. However, relying solely on them as your research tool may create an impression of unpreparedness. Strike a balance by combining company insights with your own research. Here are three ways it can help you nail the interview:
Demonstrates Genuine Interest: Researching a company shows that you’re genuinely interested in the role and the organization. It’s a sign of respect for the company’s time and resources.
Tailoring Your Responses: Armed with knowledge about the company, you can tailor your answers to align with their values, mission, and goals. This personalization sets you apart from generic candidates.
Asking Smart Questions: Well-researched candidates ask insightful questions during interviews. These questions demonstrate critical thinking and a desire to understand the company better.
Where to Focus Your Research
Start with the company website: Although you should start with the “About Us” page, read every square inch of the site until you understand the company’s leadership team, history, mission, core values, and products & services. Too often, candidates show up and ask questions that clearly indicate they didn’t even glance at the website. Just a month ago, I had a candidate ask me what my position in the company was. The candidate was embarassed when I told them I founded it, and it made things a bit awkward.
Company Website: Start by thoroughly exploring the company’s website. Dive into the “About Us” page and scrutinize every detail. Understand the leadership team, company history, mission, core values, and products/services. Avoid the common pitfall of showing up unprepared and asking basic questions that could have been answered through website research. At least once per new hire, I have a candidate ask about my position, only to be embarassed when I share that I founded the company.
Social Media Presence: Companies actively share news, achievements, and updates on social media platforms. Follow them on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Stay informed about product launches, partnerships, awards, and other significant events. Social media also provides insights into the company’s culture and employee experiences.
News and Press Releases: Reading press releases and news articles about the company is crucial. It enables informed conversations during interviews. Understand the company’s direction, industry context, and cultural fit. Be prepared to address potential questions based on this knowledge.
LinkedIn Connections: Explore the company’s LinkedIn page and check out their employees. This provides valuable insights. Understand the company culture, team dynamics, and potential connections. And be sure to review employee tenure.
Glassdoor Reviews: Focus on patterns and trends when reading employee reviews on platforms like Glassdoor. Look beyond individual opinions. Observe overall satisfaction, work-life balance, and career growth patterns. These insights guide your decision-making process during interviews.
Earn those Brownie Points
Now that you’ve gathered this information, use it strategically during your interview. In Your Questions, incorporate relevant details into your responses. For example:
“I noticed that your recent product launch received positive reviews. Why do you think customers are resonating with your new product so much?”
“I’m so impressed with the amount of people you are able to retain long-term. What do you think you are doing right to keep people employed here?”
“I noticed that your company won various growth awards from 2016 - 2021, but since then it seems like you’ve stayed put. Is there anything I can do here to help inspire growth again?”
Avoid Common Mistakes
Don’t wing it with superficial research: The company’s homepage isn’t enough. Dig deeper.
Don’t ignoring the company culture: Seek out an understand of the work environment and values.
Each company is unique; customize your approach instead of applying the same techniques to each company.
Remember, researching a company isn’t just about impressing interviewers—it’s about finding the right fit for your career. So, invest time in this art, leave a positive impression, and make your mark!
