If you are applying for a job abroad, you might face the question 'What do you know about our company?' in an interview. This is a common way for employers to assess your interest, motivation, and research skills. How can you answer this question effectively and impressively? Here are some tips to help you prepare and deliver a strong response.
Before the interview, you should do some homework on the company you are applying to. You can use various sources, such as their website, social media, news articles, annual reports, or industry publications. Look for information that is relevant to the position, the culture, the values, and the goals of the company. Try to find out what makes them unique, what challenges they face, and what opportunities they have. Make notes of the key points and facts that you want to mention in your answer.
Besides the above typical research before going, I recommend look for employees on LinkedIn, executive team, who’s following them in business, check history, look at P&L statements, recent news articles, growth opportunities, online reviews, and if possible how relevant it is is too todays market. The interview is not just them asking you but you interviewing them for rightness with your core values.
I think it is important to follow the Company on Social Media as well. This can give you a sense of the company’s culture, values, and how they interact with their customers and employees. I looked at Employee Reviews. Websites like Glassdoor can provide insights into the company culture, work environment, and employee satisfaction.
You may get fair idea on how the company works through social platforms and getting in touch with people in that organisation through social Platforms. But once you enter the org you would find a real experience on how the company really works. The only way we can get such info would be getting in touch with people working in that org whose status shows as open to work.
When you answer the question 'What do you know about our company?', you should not just recite what you have learned from your research. You should also show how your knowledge relates to the job you are applying for and why you are a good fit for the company. For example, you can highlight how your skills, experience, or interests match the company's needs, vision, or values. You can also express your enthusiasm for working with them and how you can contribute to their success.
There is so many approaches to this. 750 characters are not enough to express everything. I still would suggest the following: 1. Identify Key Job Requirements: Highlight how your skills and experiences align with the key requirements of the job. Provide specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate these skills. 2. Connect with Company Culture: Show that you understand and align with the company’s culture. Mention any specific aspects of the culture that resonate with you.
Your answer should not be too long or too vague. You should aim to give a concise and specific overview of what you know about the company, focusing on the most important and relevant aspects. You should avoid repeating what the interviewer already knows or stating obvious facts that anyone can find online. You should also avoid making assumptions or guesses that might be inaccurate or outdated. Instead, you should use concrete examples and data to support your points and demonstrate your research.
A good way to end your answer is to ask a follow-up question that shows your curiosity and interest in learning more about the company. This can also help you engage the interviewer and start a conversation. You can ask a question that relates to something you have mentioned in your answer or something that the interviewer has said. For example, you can ask about the company's current projects, future plans, challenges, or culture. Make sure your question is relevant, open-ended, and respectful.
Finally, you should practice your answer before the interview. You can write down your main points and rehearse them out loud. You can also ask a friend, a family member, or a mentor to give you feedback and suggestions. Practicing your answer can help you improve your confidence, clarity, and delivery. It can also help you prepare for possible follow-up questions or comments from the interviewer.