Company Research Is Key to Nailing Your Interview

You’ve landed the interview. Now it’s time to prepare. To demonstrate your knowledge of the company and determine if this is a place for you, it’s important to spend some time researching the company you may be joining. Here are some places to look for background information:

1.      Financial Statements

Most large companies publish their annual reports online. They offer a glimpse into the company’s financial health, so you can determine the stability of the company and understand the primary revenue drivers of the business. Plus, you’ll impress your hiring manager if you can show you did some research beforehand.

2.      Recent News

Anything newsworthy about a company has merit to your research, whether positive or negative. Recent acquisitions, expansions, market changes and community involvement are just a few of the pieces you may come across when you do a quick online search. Seeing the top stories and current happenings can give you some idea about where the company is going and what potential adjustments may be made to their business model. Most companies also have a “newsroom” on their website, a great place to start looking at the latest press releases and mentions.

3.      LinkedIn Profiles

LinkedIn can be a powerful tool (as you already know if you’re reading this).  You can find out who your potential executive leaders, co-workers and business partners could be. This may show hiring trends and certain skills the company targets, allowing you highlight those skills in your own experience. A company’s culture is built on who they hire and promote, and knowing that going into an interview can be very valuable.

You can also use LinkedIn to research the people you’ll be interviewing with. You can see where their careers started and how they’ve progressed. Conduct an online search for articles, speaking engagements or foundations they’re involved in. Finding a connection point with your interviewer could help your chances.

4.      The Competitive Landscape

 Who  are your potential company’s top competitors? What new products, services or organizational changes have they rolled out recently that made the news? Knowledge like this can be especially impressive if you find information that the company isn’t currently aware of. Check out online databases such as Hoovers.com for a short list of company competitors and basic information on the company you’re considering.

5.      Employee Review Sites

Sites that showcase employee reviews can provide insights about how employees view their company. Glassdoor.com can provide you with important information about company culture, management style and any issues (good and bad) employees may have. You can also look up the competition and see how they stack up against the company you’re considering.

6.      Customer Reviews and Interactions

To get an idea of how customers view your potential employer, make sure to look at review sites such as Yelp. You’ll get a feel for how the company is perceived by customers. Don’t neglect reviewing the company’s social media sites, too. Does the company answer questions? What’s the tone of company posts? This will help you understand if the company’s brand is positive or negative and how they treat customers.

Once you’ve done your research, put your learnings to work. Draft questions you’d like answered and think about how you can leverage your insights into your interview. The more prepared you are, the better the interview will go. And, you’ll have a better feel for whether this company is a good fit for you.