How to Research a Company for a Job Interview

Job Interview researchJob Interview research

Job recruiters will tell you that a surefire way to land a position is to stand out from the crowd⎼in a good way, of course!

One method of impressing the interviewer is to research the company beforehand. When you show that you’ve taken the time to get to know the overall mission and what the position entails, it shows you’re serious about the job.

This attention to detail might not seem like much to you. But to a potential employer, it’s a coveted trait that makes the difference between a decent employee and a great one.




So how do you get started researching for your next job interview, and what should you look for? This short guide will explain everything you need to know to make a strong impact.

1. Start at Their Website

We’re smack in the middle of a generation where if you don’t have an internet presence, you don’t exist. Chances are, the company you’re interviewing at has a current website they use actively.

But if they don’t, this still teaches you something about them. It tells you that they’re not focused on computer technology or e-commerce. If you were planning to wow them with your coding skills or other amazing technical knowledge, you’d probably need to revise your game plan.

If they do have one, get familiar with the products they sell or the services they provide. Who are their ideal clients? What niche do they have that attracts customers to them?

The “About Us” page, team pictures, and text on the site also tell you a little about the company’s culture. Are they laidback and informal, or regimented and strictly professional? This gives you a clue on how to dress for the interview, too.

2. Read About Them Online

It’s next to impossible for a business to be an internet ghost. From the business documents necessary to run the company to consumer reviews, where you’re applying has at least a small online presence.

Pick your favorite search engine to start it and enter the business name. If it’s common, you’ll need to add the city or another identifier.

Click on the links and read the first one or two pages of results that you get. This gives you a lot of background on the company, what they are known for, and their reputation.

It’s also a fast way to decide if you want to work there or not. If there are lots of complaints about the company’s standards and culture, you might be better off skipping this interview.

3. Get Familiar With the Position

Now that you know all about the business, the next step is to make sure you understand the position you’re applying for.

It might be a “common sense” job, such as a physician. But in that specific company, the role could be more complicated. 

Know the Facts Before You Take the Job

Check the ad you replied to and read the details. Then look for a “Careers” page on the company’s website. Find the position you’re applying for and see what the summary of the job entails and how much it pays.

When you have a general idea of what you’re getting into, make sure they pay is reasonable for the work you’ll be doing.

Try to avoid generic sites like Indeed or Glassdoor and find a site that’s specific to your career. For example, doctors can use this compensation report from Physicians Thrive to compare salaries for their location, specialty, and experience.

Say Okay, Walk Away, or Negotiate – The Choice is Yours

This part of the research gives you a chance to prepare your negotiation tactics ahead of time. You have evidence that the average salary for the same position in your area is higher than they’re offering.

Armed with that info, you can decide if you’re willing to take the lower pay or cancel the interview. Or, you can head in there knowing that you’re going to have to ask for a salary increase before you accept the job. Check out online jobs for college students.

Whichever option you choose, you are now informed about the company you’ll be interviewing for and the position they want to fill. 

Conclusion

The time you take researching the position you’re interviewing for is never wasted. You’ll either learn that you’re not interested in working there, or you’ll have a lot of knowledge at your disposal to impress the hiring manager.

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Either way, these tips will teach you how to get the details you need to prepare for your next job interview.

This post was last modified on August 5, 2021 7:41 PM

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