You’ve just landed a job interview with an exciting web development firm.
Your resume impressed them and now they want to meet you in person. At this crucial stage of the application process, not only do you need to showcase your expertise, but you should also demonstrate your enthusiasm and interest in the company.
Researching a company before the interview gives you an edge over other applicants – your research allows you to craft specific examples and explain how you can help the company achieve their goals.
A knowledgeable, enthusiastic candidate always impresses the recruiters.
Why research a company before a job interview?
When screening applicants, recruiters want the best fit for the company’s mission statement, values and brand. By learning as much as you can about the company before the interview, you gain the edge over other candidates.
Armed with your research, you can direct the recruiter to aspects of your experience and skill set which relate to the company’s branding or goals. You can prepare specific examples which encompass the skills and attribute the company most prizes.
Many recruiters decry the lack of preparation demonstrated by many applicants. By thoroughly researching a company beforehand and using that research in the interview, you show yourself as a dedicated, organised and enthusiastic individual.
What you need to know about the company
How much or little you research depends on the time and resources you have available. Along with obtaining a full job description and the names of the interviewers, you should make a concerted effort to learn at least the following information before your interview:
- The company mission statement
- Details of recent projects, especially those showing innovation
- Profiles of the people conducting the interview
- The work environment and benefits
- The company’s reputation within your sector
- Recent awards, recognition or media coverage
Where to find information about a company
Now you know what you’re looking for, it’s time to dust off your detective hat and dig up some information on your potential employer.
As you’re interviewing for a web position, the company should have an active web presence (if they don’t, you should be worried). Find the company’s mission statement and a portfolio of recent projects on their website. The company blog can offer useful clues about the work environment and the personalities of the current employees (at least, the personalities of those writing the blog).
You can learn a lot about a company’s marketing strategies, target demographic, and client list by following their social media pages. Check their LinkedIn profile, “like” their Facebook page, and subscribe to their twitter feed. You’ll find links to recent media features, conversations between important clients, and gain insight into the company’s public persona. You can also find useful information on the social media profiles of the recruitment team.
Next, contact the Human Resources department of the company and ask them to mail you a prospectus or recruitment pack. The prospectus contains more detailed information than the website. If they can’t mail it to you in time for the interview, offer to drop by the office and collect it. This gives you a chance to scope out the office and see if it’s a pleasant place to work.
College students should consult their careers advisors, especially if the job opportunity has come through their faculty or careers office. As part of their job, advisors recommend students to various companies, and they may have insider information about the company. Many university libraries keep collections of company brochures, manifestos and newsletters, which will also be useful.
Students can also contact alumni who currently work for the company and ask about the work conditions and company benefits. Contact your local alumni office for a complete list of graduates’ positions.
The company might have been profiled in a business or trade magazine, such as Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, Working Mother, or a trade-specific periodical. Nowadays, most periodicals maintain an online catalogue of past issues. You simply type the company’s name into a search engine and see what comes up.
Use your connections. Perhaps you know someone within the company (or know someone who knows someone whose sister works in the company) who can answer your questions. Don’t forget to be polite and thank them for their time.
You might like to sample a product or service supplied by your company. For example, if you’re applying for an e-commerce position, you could test the current website by purchasing a small item for yourself. If the company is in web marketing, and they offer free branding e-courses, sign up to receive the course email. Engaging with the company’s products before the interview qualifies you to talk specifically about their content and design.
Looking at awards or recognition the company has received over the years show the areas in which the company excel.
What to do with company information during the job interview
With a range of information about the company at your disposal, read over your research until you feel confident you understand the company’s mission statement, marketing strategy, goals for the future and the profile of a perfect employee.
From your own experience, prepare examples of situations when you exhibited characteristics desirable to the company. Return to the job description if you get stuck. Prepare answers for the following questions:
- “Tell us why you’re the perfect candidate for this job?”
- “Do you have any questions about the company or the position?”
Present the information in a positive way. The interview is not a test on how much you know about the company. Don’t just rehash facts – relate them to your own experience and skills.
Nor is it the time to question company policies or ask them how they plan to handle recent bad press. Use your research to highlight the strengths of the company and demonstrate how you can contribute to their growth.
Conclusion
Recruiters want to see applicants who can demonstrate how their skills relate to the company’s needs.
If you walk into the interview armed with information about the company, and can present yourself with enthusiasm and professionalism, you’ll rise above the other candidates. A few hours of research could result in an exciting new job.
