Before you go for an interview, it’s crucial to research a company. The pointers in this article will show you what to look for and where to look.
If you’re searching for jobs, you know you can’t fail to do company research before an interview. It’s one of the basic necessities you can’t overlook. In an interview, your knowledge of the company will be tested. It shows that you’re interested in the position and working in that particular company.
Just place yourself in the shoes of the employer. If you owned the company, I'm sure you’d want to work with people who genuinely want to contribute to the company's mission and vision. Such people will give their absolute best to achieve their goals. Let's examine a short checklist that you can follow when doing your research before an interview which will help you prepare adequately before D-Day.
1. Visit the company website
We’re in the digital age, and one of the easiest ways to find in-depth information about a company is to check out its website. Every website is unique, but it will give you the necessary insights about the particular company you’re interested in applying to.
You will understand the products/services they deal in, their clients and partners, events etc. Most companies have an About us page, which describes what the company does and when it started. Some websites also reveal the team that works in the company, starting from the leadership, the board and the rest of the staff. According to the Reed Company, this section will give you a good idea as to the size, scale and overall ethos of the organization - how corporate, friendly, creative, or commercial it is.
A website is a powerful resource when researching a company because you’ll also know its location and contact information. Even as you research you’ll see what they’re passionate about, their vision, mission and goals. This information will come in handy when you’re being interviewed for a role in that company.
So when they ask you anything about the company, you’ll be in a good position to give relevant answers and ask very targeted questions that will help you shine above other applicants.
Additionally, the company website will also lead you to the company’s different social media channels, which are key pieces of information to help you understand the ecosystem of that company. This gives you a more wholesome, 360-degree picture of the organization.
2. Social media monitoring
By monitoring a company’s social media channels, you get to learn about its various events, audiences, and customer complaints about its service. Social media platforms help you understand a company's culture and way of doing things. For example, there are industries such as banks where people wear official clothing throughout the week. On the other hand, you have companies such as startups which don’t have an official dress code.
When the recruiter is interviewing you, they’re interested in seeing whether you’ll fit in with the company culture. Not only that, you, as a candidate, will gauge correctly whether you’d like to work in such an environment. Social media also unveils to you how the company wants to be perceived. Therefore, the tone of their posts exemplifies their company culture.
3. LinkedIn
LinkedIn is not just another social media platform; it’s an ecosystem built for professionals. Through LinkedIn, you’ll get to know the various people that work in the company, and you can talk to them to find out more about the company.
4. Check the company’s financial health
Lately, there have been a lot of layoffs in the media and tech industry. Meta, Amazon and Google have been letting thousands of employees go citing tough economic times.
Before you enter a company, it will be prudent to investigate how it is doing financially. Just imagine working there for a few months only for them to let you go because they can’t afford to pay you. Alternatively, they may delay your salary, which will cause you immeasurable financial stress. If a company’s financial health is in doubt, you’d better avoid working there because you will pay the price in the long term.
5. Product or service they sell
A company’s product is its tool of trade and brings in revenue for them. Therefore, understanding their products and services would draw special attention to you as a candidate because that’s one of their heartbeats.
Analyze their whole catalogue and how much they charge for each product/service. More than that, you should think and strategize how you can improve it or help them expand their revenue base.
6. Check competitors
Competitors will show you what this particular company is up against. The competition will also give insights into how the industry is fairing and the current trends people are following. What is the competition doing better that you think the company can learn from? Additionally, you can use similarweb.com to check similar sites for the company in question.
7. Google search
A general Google search could also come in handy as you research a company. A random Google search basically reveals what other people say about the company. It will also help you pick up news and more information on the organization from the media, such as feature articles or news reports.
Over and above that, you’ll get some insights into the negative side of things. If there are red flags that you need to pay attention to, then Google will reveal them to you for further action.
Why it’s important to research a company
The research is important because it’s not just the company interviewing you, you’re also evaluating the company. Other people may love working there, but it doesn’t mean it will work for you. Therefore, find out all that you can about the company because technology affords you the luxury of knowing a lot about an entity from the comfort of your home without walking into their office physically. And if it’s a good fit for you, during the interview, your knowledge and passion for that company will get you that job you desire.
