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June 15, 2024
8 Amazing Ways to Research a Company Before an Interview
I get it, the excitement of receiving an interview invitation is unparalleled. You’ve put in the hard work and polished your CV, and now the opportunity is knocking on your door. But remember, an interview is a two-way street.
Yes, you’ll be assessed by the interview panel to see if you’re a good fit for the company’s culture. But you also have the chance to learn about the company from the interviewer. However, this is a limited opportunity in terms of the number of questions you can ask, and the time allotted to you.
So how do you make sure that the company you’re about to join is a good fit for you? The answer is simple: research the company before the interview. This serves two purposes. Firstly, it helps you assess whether the company is a good fit for you. Second, it allows you to ask relevant questions during the interview, which could earn you some extra points.
I’ve interviewed many candidates during my career, and I always ask them a simple question: “What do you know about the company?” Today I’m going to tell you how to research a company in the best possible way.
Unleash the Power of Online Research
In today’s digital age, the Internet has become our go-to source of information. With its vast amount of data, it’s like having the world’s largest library at our fingertips. When it comes to preparing for a job interview, one of the most important steps is to research a company before the interview.
The best way to start your research is to simply use your favourite search engine, be it Google, Bing, Yahoo or any other, and type in the company’s name. You’ll be amazed at the amount of information that comes up. But before you dive into all that data, I suggest you first go to the news section and search for any relevant news articles about the company.
Reading these articles will give you a good idea of the company’s market presence and activities. It’s like getting a glimpse into the company’s world, understanding its ups and downs, its successes and challenges, and its impact on the industry.
The more you know about the company, the better prepared you’ll be for the interview. It shows your interest in the company and your initiative to learn more about it. So, use the power of the internet and start researching a company before an interview. Trust me, it’s worth every minute of your time.
So go ahead, open your browser, type in the name of the company and let the internet guide your research.
Harness the Power of LinkedIn for Company Research
LinkedIn is a goldmine for business professionals. It’s not only a platform for connecting and networking, but also a powerful tool for researching a company before an interview.
Companies maintain their pages on this social media platform and use it as a medium to interact with their customers and share updates. You’ll often find the latest company posts on these pages. These posts could be about a new product launch, recent changes in the company, their corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities or even a promotional post.
Analysing these posts gives you a deeper understanding of the company’s latest products and activities. It’s like getting a behind-the-scenes look at the company, feeling its pulse and getting a feel for its culture.
So, the next time you’re preparing for a job interview, don’t forget to check out the company’s LinkedIn page. It’s a goldmine of information just waiting to be explored. Remember, the more you know about the company, the more confident you’ll feel during the interview. So go ahead, open LinkedIn, type in the company name and start your journey of researching a company before an interview.
Using Company Websites to Ace Your Interview
In the digital world, a company’s website reflects its identity. Just as you have a digital footprint, so does the company you’re interested in. If you’re preparing to research a company before an interview, their website should be your first stop.
Start by exploring the products or services they offer. Try to understand what makes them unique and how they stand out from the competition. This will not only give you a better understanding of what they offer but will also give you talking points during the interview.
Next, look for information about the company’s locations. Find out where their head office is, where their branches are and perhaps even where their factories or manufacturing units are located. This is important information that can help you during the interview.
But don’t stop there. Dig deeper and explore the ‘About Us’ page. This page often describes the history of the company, the milestones it has achieved and its journey to date. It’s like a time capsule, offering a glimpse into the company’s past, present and sometimes even its future.
The more you know about the company, the more confident you’ll feel during the interview. So, take the time to research a company before an interview. It’s an investment that will pay off when you walk into the interview room armed with knowledge and ready to impress.
Why Checking Stock Prices is a Must
If you’re preparing for an interview with a company listed on a stock exchange, I strongly recommend that you check the company’s share price. This may seem like a difficult task, especially if you’re new to the world of finance. But trust me, it’s easier than you think and the insights you gain are invaluable.
Websites such as Moneycontrol and Yahoo Finance are a great place to start your search for stock quotes. They provide real-time updates and a wealth of information about the company’s financial health. Understanding the company’s valuation will give you a sense of its stability and growth potential.
A company’s share price reflects its perceived value to investors. A high share price indicates that investors have confidence in the company’s prospects. On the other hand, a low share price may indicate potential problems or challenges.
So, when you’re researching a company before an interview, don’t forget to check its share price. It’s a small step that can give you a big advantage in the interview. After all, knowledge is power and the more you know about the company, the more confident you’ll be.
The Power of Employee Reviews for Interview Prep
One of the most valuable resources when you’re researching a company before an interview is employee reviews. These reviews, available on job sites such as Glassdoor and Indeed, offer a first-hand perspective on what it’s like to work at the company.
These reviews are written by current and former employees and often provide a candid view of the company’s culture, management style and working environment. You can even filter these reviews by department and job title to get a more specific understanding of the role you’re applying for.
Reading these reviews can give you a sense of the company’s strengths and areas for improvement from an employee’s perspective. It’s like getting an insider’s view without setting foot in the company.
A review is a two-way street. It’s not just about the company evaluating you, it’s also about you evaluating the company. So, I strongly recommend that you read employee testimonials; it will help you determine if the company is a good fit for your values and career goals.
The Power of Networking with Company Insiders
One of the most effective ways to research a company before an interview is to get in touch with its employees. This can be done both offline and online and provides a unique perspective that you won’t find in any annual report or company website.
LinkedIn is one of the best online platforms to do this. It’s a professional networking site where you can connect with people in your target company. But when you reach out to them, always be polite and respectful. After all, you’re not just looking for information, you’re trying to build a relationship.
However, there is one important piece of advice I’d like to share with you.
Avoid any contact with the HR team or your future boss before the interview. This could potentially lead to prejudice, and it’s best to keep the playing field level until the interview has finished.
Connecting with employees can give you insights into the company’s culture and working environment, and even some insider information. But use this information wisely and ethically. After all, the goal is not just to ace the interview, but to become a valued member of the company.
Insider Tips from Company Partners
When it comes to researching a company before an interview, one of the most effective strategies I’ve found involves reaching out to the company’s partners. These could be distributors, dealers, or even customers. I often pose as a potential customer or an independent consultant seeking feedback about the company’s products and services. This approach allows me to gather candid insights about the company’s channel management, product offerings, and competitive strategies.
During these conversations, I encourage them to share their experiences with the company. They often provide valuable information about the company’s past performance, current initiatives, and plans. This first-hand information can be incredibly useful during the interview process. It can provide you with unique insights that can help you stand out from other candidates.
However, it’s important to approach these conversations with a thorough understanding. The information being shared could be sensitive. Always be respectful and considerate of the other person’s time and privacy.
Master Competitor Analysis for a Winning Edge
The last piece of advice I recommend when researching a company before an interview is to do a competitive analysis. Understanding a company’s competitors will give you a broader perspective of the industry landscape and the company’s position within it.
Websites such as Owler and Hoovers are excellent resources for this. They allow you to track a company’s competitors and provide a wealth of information at your fingertips. While some of these analyses require a subscription, there are also free search options.
By analysing the competition, you can gain insight into the company’s unique selling propositions, its strengths and areas where it may be lagging. This knowledge can be invaluable during your interview, allowing you to ask informed questions and demonstrate a thorough understanding of the company and its industry.
The purpose of researching a company is not only to prepare for potential interview questions but also to determine if the company is a good fit for you. By understanding the company’s competitors, you’re not just preparing for an interview, you’re preparing for a potential future with the company.
How to Turn Company Research into a Job Offer
After all the effort you’ve put into researching a company before an interview, you may be asking yourself, “How do I use this information? The answer is simple but powerful. Use the relevant information from your research to talk about what makes the company unique and express your enthusiasm by demonstrating your knowledge.
During the interview, use this research data to provide examples or to enhance your answers. Your aim should be to convince the interviewer that you are genuinely interested in working with them. Remember that when you say, “I would like to work for your company“, you want them to understand that you are a person who will go the extra mile to get the job done.
These details will also help you structure your questions, if any, for the interviewer. They will be amazed at the knowledge you bring to the interview and would love to have you on their team.
