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Research is Vital - Know the Company Before the Job Interview
Posted By: Staff Editor In: Job Seeker - Interview Article written by Moshin Manji.
Along with practicing job interview techniques and interview questions, company research is critical before the job interview. Nothing impresses an employer more in the job interview then hearing a candidate speak about their company. This will really show an employer that you really want to work for them and you are determined to succeed. So what should you research and how do you begin? Research the industry, get a perspective of the company and recent activities or accomplishments, find out what products and services they provide, who their competitors are. Also if possible, determine what the company culture is like and read their mission statement.
Here are some valuable guidelines to keep in mind when researching a company online before your job interview:
Company web site: Using search engines such as Google or MSN, find the company. If you already know the URL, go to the company web site. Navigate through the various menu tabs, such as, About Us, Products, Services, Mission and Executive or Management Team. The company web site is the best source of information.
General company information: Look specifically at the "About Us" or "Company History" section as it will give you the profile of the company. Remember all the important information to mention in the job interview.
Determine skills: Prepare a list of the services and products the company offers. Verify how your skills and experience can fit in. Look at the job descriptions pertaining to the position you will be interviewing for.
Keep current: Locate the "News & Information" and "Press Releases" sections if available. This will give you updated information on the new company projects and other changes and company acknowledgments.
Competitors: Who are direct competitors to the company? Search for information about the company's competitors on the company web site or via search engines. This will help you answer strategic questions about company marketing in the job interview.
Blogs and groups: Many reputable companies and their employees and executives post good information about these companies in blogs. Blogs are a great way to get current information about a company. Also, look online for groups and discussion forums.
Other resources: There are many professional databases that develop company profiles for free. If the company is large you may also find information about it in reputable business sites such as Fortune 500 and Forbes. If you choose to do a physical search, most libraries have a business section with stored archived information and annual report for companies.
Researching a company can leave a good first impression employer. Next time you are in a job interview and the employer asks if you know about the company or if you have any questions, impress them and you will get noticed.
Information provided by, Moshin Manji, HRinmotion.
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I am presently in the process of finding a job full or part time which will enable me to utilize my training in a productive manner to my employer.
Posted by: Anne A. Odone
I was working with US Bank for 11 years until I was placed in a very overcrowded caotic cubical. I hated sitting in a very crowded caotic cubical, so I was let go back in September 2008. I have been trying to look for a better job in a better cubical, but nobody would hire me. I had to go to the Home Care Commission Training Sessions where I got my certificate and I was placed with Registry and Referral with the Oregon Home Care Commission to find more clients back in 2007. I was working with more than 1 client. I lost a lot of clients and now I have only 2 clients working part-time. I need a job now.
Posted by: Sharon Rona Tengasantos
They say that knowing what to say will make the employer give you the job, they are wrong. I just went on an interview today but the employer decided she is not going to hire me because I don't have the experience that she is looking for to fill the position.
Posted by: Brenda Hunter
I found this article very informative. I have forwarded this to my family and friends who are out of work. Especially have not had to interview for a while, even thought the experience and skills are there. Since I fall into this category myself this applies to my style of self marketing.
Posted by: Alba Guerra
Thank you. This article was very refreshing and educational. How do I research a company that is confidencial?
Posted by: Gigi_Pittsburgh
Great article...relevant with specific strategies that could readily be taken advantage of today. Thanks! I have been with the same company for 20 years. I used the techniques outlined in this article to investigate my own company (which is under new management). The information gathered helped me better understand the vision and direction of our new leadership and to determine if I was interested in remaining with this organization.
Posted by: LJRoy
This is most important if you intend to work in a medical office, or want to work for a company that caters to the medical field.There are some companies and medical fields that prohibit me from working for them because their policies will violate my moral conscience.Unfortunately, this covers most companies these days to one extent or another. I'd rather be as poor as a Benedictine nun, thank you very much.
Posted by: Steve Bernstein
Well said. In my extensive job search I usually have ample time to prepare before my interviews. (See the article on "Body Language")My wife and I role play while I answer questions. I have found that during the interview, the interviewer always asks me if I have any questions. I take the time before hand to research the company and its product/service so that I can ask several intelligent questions about company specifics other than the usual self serving questions. The interviewer always shows delight and willingness to talk about his company and by showing knowlegable interest one makes a great impression. You may even learn some "inside details" about the company that weren't mentioned during the interviewer's presentation. I never make a large purchace without research and I certainly wouldn't consider an employer without that same extensive reasearch.
Posted by: Carmen
I was wondering what kind of questions you should ask of a hospital especially if applying for clerical work.
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