How to Research a Company Before an Interview

How to Research a Company Before an Interview: A Step-by-Step Guide

Researching a company before an interview is crucial to understanding the company culture, values, and goals. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to research a company before an interview.

Step 1: Visit the Company Website

The company website is the first place you should visit when researching a company before an interview. Take a look at their about page, mission statement, and values to get a sense of what they stand for. You can also browse their products or services to get a better understanding of what they do.

Step 2: Check Out the Company’s Social Media Accounts

Many companies have active social media accounts that can provide valuable insights into their culture, community involvement, and recent accomplishments. Take a look at their Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn pages to get a better sense of the company’s personality and recent activities.

Step 3: Look for Recent News or Press Releases

Keep an eye out for any recent news or press releases about the company. This can include awards they’ve won, new products or services they’ve launched, or any recent changes in leadership. This information can help you understand the company’s current priorities and future goals.

Step 4: Check Online Reviews and Employee Feedback

Online reviews and employee feedback can provide valuable insights into a company’s culture, work environment, and management style. Check websites like Glassdoor or Indeed to see what current and former employees have to say about their experiences with the company.

Step 5: Use LinkedIn to Research the Company and Interviewers

LinkedIn is a valuable tool for researching both the company and the individuals you’ll be interviewing with. Look up the company page to see their recent activity and any mutual connections you may have. You can also research the interviewers to get a better understanding of their background and experience.

Conclusion

Researching a company before an interview can give you a significant advantage over other candidates. By following these steps, you’ll have a better understanding of the company’s culture, values, and goals, which can help you tailor your responses to better align with their needs.

FAQs:

How much time should I spend researching a company before an interview?

It’s recommended to spend at least 1-2 hours researching a company before an interview.

What is the best way to research a company?

The best way to research a company is to visit their website, check their social media accounts, look for recent news or press releases, check online reviews and employee feedback, and use LinkedIn to research the company and interviewers.

Can researching a company before an interview improve my chances of getting the job?

Yes, researching a company before an interview can give you a significant advantage over other candidates and show the interviewer that you’re genuinely interested in the company and the position.

What should I look for when researching a company before an interview?

You should look for the company’s mission statement, values, products or services, recent news or press releases, online reviews and employee feedback, and the backgrounds of the interviewers.

Athina Iliadis is a Human Resources Professional with over 25 years’ experience in corporate environments working for companies such as Pearson, LexisNexis, Hershey, and Reckitt. In her current role as a consultant working with clients around the world, she coaches managers and employees on HR issues, supports leaders in their business, produces content about careers, interviews, and job opportunities. She is fluent in English, French and Greek, and she holds a BBA with a major in HR from Université du Québec à Montréal. Find her on LinkedIn and at athinailiadis.com

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