WIN THE JOB

WHAT TO INCLUDE WHEN RESEARCHING AN EMPLOYER

Find out the location of the organization. If interviewing with a large organization, chances are there could be various facilities in different areas, in some cases, worldwide. Know the whereabouts and general function of each facility and how each play into the overall function of the organization.

Acquaint yourself with the organization's structure. Get an understanding of how the organizational chart works. Know how divisions or departments are arranged and what areas fall under each one. If preparing for an interview with an organization with branches in different geographical locations, focus primarily on the site you’ll be interviewing for employment. An organizational chart can provide you with an understanding of ‘how’ the company operates and ‘where’ and to ‘who’ various functions and responsibilities fall.

Gain an understanding of the company’s growth. Look at past, current and potential growth areas. The past helps you know how the company has been situated and if the business has increased or decreased over time. This also gives you a look at what specific operations were successful, new at the time or lagging behind. Current growth indicates what areas are at present successful, what is having difficulty and if anything, new has been introduced. Current growth can offer you the opportunity to ask yourself what skills and abilities you possess that will enhance certain functions in improving or maintaining the area you are looking to be employed. Future growth is a projection but can provide you with information as to where the company plans or is expected to be down the road. Ask yourself what you have to offer the company that can assist in reaching their goals.

Get an idea of the company’s clients. Know the types of clients the company serves. This can help you when answering questions at the interview so you’re able to curtail a response that shows the ability to effectively relate to clients. Understand the type of role the company will be expecting you to present. Whether it be ‘selling,’ ‘informing,’ or ‘negotiating,’ know what the position opening requires in order to articulate prior experiences, skills or knowledge as to how you can meet the clients’ needs.

Know the product line or service. Have a thorough understanding of what the company does—if the company manufactures goods, for example, know the lines and items available. Know what is being phased out or any new items to be introduced. This area is what the company is all about, show you’re knowledgeable and have done your homework.

Get an idea of the price of products or services. Recognizing prices helps the interviewer feel you are familiar with the company’s products or services. This can also help give you an idea of the type of client or consumer the company serves.

If the company is public, know about the stock. Check the present stock price. Take a look at the stocks past performance and future earning’s projections. Know the ticker symbol and exchange.

Learn the competition. Knowing what the company is up against helps you understand what strategies are implemented to stay ahead, what services are offered that are unique, how much similar companies exist in the market and where each stands in relation to the company you’re interviewing. This area should help you develop a line of thought for what you can bring to the company that is unique to help them grow.

Look over relocation policies. If you’re interviewing with a large company there is likely to be divisions or branches in other areas. Relocation could be a factor you should look into. Be sure you know the office location you are interviewing for and try to get a look at how many similar positions exist at other office locations. It’s to your advantage to know about relocation provisions prior to the interview and think over how you feel toward this possibility. In the event a question arises during your interview, you won’t be taken by surprise and can answer the question genuinely. To the interviewer, this is one more way to show your knowledge of the company but also reassures him/her that you’ve taken the time to deliberate the issue.

Review length of time in assignments. If travel is required in the position, find out how long you can expect to be away during assignments. Try to get an idea of accommodations the employer provides during times away and the hours involved. Again, depending on the travel frequency and length, you want to be sure you know what to expect when the employer brings up the topic in the interview. You don’t want to have to respond "I’ll have to think about it," or "I didn’t realize there was so much travel involved." You want to resolve ahead of time exactly how you feel about being away on assignment. Avoiding giving this adequate consideration could cost you the job based on any uneasiness you might project during the interview.

Know current newsworthy information. Certain large organizations can make the news every day. Deals, problems, and opportunities for some companies can hit the news up to several times a day, gaining media attention very quickly. Regardless of the amount of press, research information where the company has made the news and be able to have a discussion about it—being current on issues surrounding the organization is important. You could face a direct question from an interviewer regarding a particular media-related event and be asked to respond to it, creating the need to be able to include information you have read.

Talk to others you know in the organization. Nobody has more insight and relevant information to help you in an interview that people who are currently working at the company. People you know can bring you up to speed on a variety of information that can assist you in your interview and help you plan for responses. Take the time to find out as much as you can, and don’t be afraid to ask.

Understand information about the field in general. It’s important to know issues, trends, problems, and jargon in the profession. Information regarding these areas can be located through company literature (including the company’s website), public and career libraries, trade journals, newsletters, business magazines, directories and people currently in the field.

Know the name, level, and role of each individual you will be meeting. Having this information will help you when researching the company, you should keep in mind how each person’s position is relevant to the position you’re interviewing. This can also help you in delivering answers that appeal to the interviewers' areas, highlighting what you can offer the current position and how you can complement their areas of work.

Taking the time to review pertinent information regarding a company prior to an interview is an essential step to interview preparation. The more you understand about the functions of a company, the more comfortable you will feel at the interview. Of the variety of reasons, an employer selects a candidate to become an employee, being able to make a smooth transition into a position based on practical working knowledge is one. Give your interviewer confidence in your ability to be successful in the position by demonstrating you have the well-rounded knowledge of the company alongside the skills to successfully handle the job.

Hope for the best, any thoughts?