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Conducting Company Research before an Interview
Why Company Research is Important
According to CNBC, having little-to-no knowledge of a company is one of the most common mistakes made during interviews.
In an increasingly competitive job market, employers expect more and more out of potential employees.
Employers don't have time to bother with job seekers who haven't done their research. If you don't take the time to get to know the company, why should they take the time to get to know you?
Here are some reasons why you should do your research:
It increases your confidence.
The more you know about the company, the more comfortable you will feel interviewing for them. Make sure you do your due diligence and watch your self-esteem skyrocket!
It makes a good first impression.
Doing your research shows employees that you really want this job and will do what it takes to get it. This will set you apart from the rest of the competition.
It shows you're a self-starter.
Employers like employees who are self-motivated. Researching a company beforehand shows that you are willing to take the initiative to reach your goals.
If you want to be an employee with the company you're interviewing for, know as much as an employee of the company would know. Businesses will often create content about the company to build their online presence and attract more customers. This is good news for you because you can use this company information to your advantage
Important Information to Research
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Who are the key players of the organization?
The key players of an organization are the people in charge: the CEOs, directors, chairmen, and other similar leaders.
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What kind of experience is the company looking for?
Different companies look for different kinds of experience. A company that values innovation will look for a forward-thinking employee. A company with more traditional values may look for an employee who supports tried-and-true methods. Identifying this key point will help you figure out if the company is a good fit for you.
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Have there been any recent changes or news updates within the company?
You should always stay up to date on the affairs of a company you're interested in. Not only will this help you tailor your interview strategy, but it will also show your interviewer that you have an active interest in the company.
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What is the company's mission?
The mission of a company will vary from business to business. In order to gain a better understanding of a company, it's important to know what its overall goal is.
What kind of company culture does the business value?
Different employees thrive in different business environments. It's important to know what kind of culture a company encourages to make sure it would be a good fit for your own beliefs and values.
Who will be interviewing you?
Knowing who will be interviewing you is invaluable because it gives you a chance to figure out aspects of your interviewer's personality and use them to your advantage. For instance, if you're a marathon runner and know your interviewer is too, bringing it up in your conversation can help you build rapport.
Find out exactly where to locate the company information above by signing up for the premium version of the training program.
According to Twin Employment and Training, 47% of interviewers said they wouldn't offer the job to a candidate if they had little knowledge of the company.
Other Places to Find Your Information
You can use several other sources of information and research techniques when preparing for a job interview.
Job Descriptions
When it comes to hiring, every interviewer has an ideal employee they're looking for to fill the job position. This is the employee who has the experience, the attitude, and the skills needed to get the job done. However, every company will have a different ideal employee they're looking for, so to figure out what they want, take a look at their job descriptions!
Talk to Others Who Work There
One of the best ways to get information about a company is by talking to people who work there. You can locate the employees of an organization using tools like Linkedin. Searching on both your 1st and 2nd Level connections will enable you to reach out to the company’s current or former employees.
Company Finances
Before going into an interview, it's a good idea to educate yourself on a company's finances. Not only will it help you figure out whether or not the company can afford to keep you around for another 5 years, but it will also help when negotiating your salary!
Learn exactly where to find this additional company information by signing up for the premium version of our training program. It will help you stand out from other candidates!
Get Into the Mind of an Interviewer
When preparing for an interview, it's important to get inside the mind of an interviewer. A good way to do this is by anticipating the kinds of questions the interviewer will ask and planning your answers accordingly. Knowing how to do this and practicing the questions you are likely to be asked will give you an advantage over other applicants.
What's Next?
This is just a preview of the actual Company Research Guide. We've outlined some necessary information here but go into much more detail in the real thing. Here is the information we cover in more detail:
- Identifying key information to figure out company values such as what kind of business they run, what their vision is, what their mission is, and more!
- How to use a company’s website and social media presence to identify their ideal employee.
Getting access to the tools and information you need to interview successfully and get the job you want is as easy as becoming a member of MyInterviewPractice.com.
