You wouldn’t walk into an exam without studying. Likewise, you should not go into a job interview without doing your homework on the company where you may end up spending a lot of your time if you are offered the job. Doing the research not only gives insight into the company, but also helps you to prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview. Here are some ways you can find out more about the company before the interview.
• Check out the company’s website.
In addition to its products and services, the company website can hold vital information about its mission, future plans for developments, and even its financial performance. This can help you learn if this is a company that is experiencing a growth phase or is in decline. You can also learn about the interviewer, his or her background, to help you find common ground and establish rapport.
• Ask employees.
If you know someone who works or has worked with the company in the past, use the opportunity to find out about the working environment. You can learn a lot from them about how the company treats its employees. If it is a past employee, find out why they left the company, and if and why they would recommend it as a great place to work. Bear in mind that an employee who speaks ill of the company may be bitter or holding a grudge. If possible talk to more than one person in order to get a true assessment of the company culture.
• Search the media for news articles.
Find out whether the company has been in the news recently and why. If workers were laid off recently, how stable is this position you’re applying for now? Did the company announce an expansion? Or was there a public dispute between the management and employees? All this is information can be very helpful in helping you decide if this is the right company for you.
With information so easily accessible, there really is no excuse to walk into an interview without basic knowledge of the company. Top performing people always do their homework to guide them in making an informed decision about their careers. To prepare for a successful interview, take time to do the research and give yourself a competitive edge over other candidates.