What do you do if you want to research a company before an interview?

If you are serious about investing your time working for a company go into the interview having done your research. Look at the leadership Team, check that their values match yours and how they live by those values. Look at the strategic vision for the company- where will be they be in 5 or 10 years and is that a direction you want to support. Look to see the tenure of employees, company growth, and benefits. Check out turnover rates for employees. See how the company rates on Glassdoor and other sites. Read reviews of current and past employees. Look for executives and employees on LinkedIn to see what they are sharing about their experience. Create 3-5 relevant questions you want answers to help you determine if you are a fit.

When getting ready for an interview, it's a good idea to use resources such as Glassdoor, LinkedIn, and the company's website to learn about their culture, goals, and achievements. I suggest researching the company's HR department and employees who have previously held the position you're applying for. What qualities do they possess? How can you incorporate those qualities into your interview? Having this knowledge about what the interviewer is looking for in a candidate and a potential colleague can be very valuable in ensuring that you present yourself in the best possible way during the interview.

Before an interview, I conduct thorough research on the company to gain insights into its culture, values, and objectives. I explore the company's website, annual reports, and press releases to understand its products, services, and recent developments. Following the company on social media platforms provides additional perspectives on its brand voice and engagement with stakeholders. Analyzing industry trends and competitors' positioning helps me prepare relevant questions and showcase my enthusiasm and alignment with the company's mission and goals during the interview.

First search for recent news articles about the company. This can provide you with up-to-date information on the company's achievements, challenges, or changes in strategy. Knowing current events can help you ask informed questions during your interview, showing that you're engaged with the company's trajectory. Additionally, understanding any challenges the company may be facing can allow you to discuss how your skills could help. Then use all the information gathered to prepare for potential interview questions. Think about how your skills and experiences align with the company's needs and culture. Practice articulating this alignment and prepare questions that show your interest in the company's future.

Ask questions about recent news, events, or projects to get a sense of where the company is going with its vision, mission, and strategy. Relate the events back to relevant questions you want answered to help you determine if you are fit. Be prepared with questions. Ask the interviewer about where and how the company is going into the future (5-10 years) so see if you want to be part of it. Ask questions on benefits, work/personal life balance, corporate culture, values, and anything else you are curious about. If you have any special needs or require accommodations, ask upfront about whether they can meet and exceed these needs. Relate how your skills, experience, and expertise are a fit for the needs of that company.

Use LinkedIn's robust search features to find people in that company and other similar companies to compare it to. Look up and follow active engagers that are decision makers and leaders of that company you want to work for. What are they talking about, what are they engaging in for content. Find common grounds with each person, start conversations in posts and DMs where possible. This will help you get an idea for what's important to them and the company's stance on having a personal brand on social media. Having a personal brand is valuable for you and the company you work for.