When you go to an interview, it is drilled into you to research a company, but sometimes it can be hard to figure out what research to do and what is important. This comprehensive guide gives you the low down on what to research and what information is irrelevant.
- What they do
Whilst it can sound obvious, it is important to research what a company does. You will look completely incompetent if you are at an interview and cannot answer any basic questions such as what the company does. You must know exactly what the company does to know exactly what your job would entail and answer any questions about it.
- Values
You must look through the company’s website and comprehend the company’s values. The company’s values are usually apparent, and if you can take these on board and mention them and how you will be great at contributing them during your interview, you vastly increase your chances of getting the job.
- Social media
A great part of research is to look at the company’s social media accounts; this can help you understand the company culture and see how you would fit in with this. Through social media accounts, you can figure out whether the company adopts the approach of chilled and casual or they adopt a clearer and more professional vibe. There are websites such as “glassdoor,” which is well worth a look at; people can post anonymous feedback about their employees and indicate what previous employees have previously thought about the company.
- History
It’s easy for anybody to scan a website for information quickly, but a real dedicated researcher will research the company’s history. Researching the history of a company almost gives you bragging rights; you can easily slip information into the conversation at your interview, which evidences your extensive research. Employers are very aware of the typical advice, research the company, etc., but very few people take the time and energy actually to research the company’s history.
- Current news
While you’re there and researching, a good area to research is current news that may impact the company. For example, if finances are dropping in the sector you’re applying to, reading current affairs related to the company means you can bring about this in discussion in your interview, if at an appropriate time. Employers are always interested in taking the initiative and going above and beyond with their research and preparatory skills. These skills indicate that somebody is employable and a person with great work ethics, all qualities you want to portray to the interviewer. At the end of the day, employers want to hire the person with the best qualities and show that you have gone to the effort to conduct extensive research only highlights your good qualities.
