It’s no secret that job seeking is stressful. Competition is stiff and you need to make yourself stand out. A well-crafted resume with some significant accomplishments is a good start. Throw in some glowing references, outstanding interview responses, and some solid experience and you’re golden, right? But what else can you do to become a better job candidate? Here’s how company research can help set you apart from the rest of the field and help you land your next job.
Skills and experience
Go back and read the original job description. Do you have the right skills and experiences? If you’re not quite the perfect match, figure out a way to frame your qualifications so that they match what the company’s looking for.
The mission statement
Knowing the mission statement and values of a company is helpful no matter what type of job you’re looking for. Make sure you’re a good fit for the company culture and be able to confidently answer the question, “why do you want to work here?”
Key players and leadership
You need to know who you’re going to be working for. Check out the website to learn about the CEO, president, and other top positions. Read their bios and find out what they say on Twitter or LinkedIn. If you can, find out the name of your interviewer and check them out so you can connect with them on a personal level.
Current events
Is the company in the news? Are they active in industry-related legislation? Check to see if there are any recent press releases on their website and find a way to mention some of your findings during your interview.
The nitty-gritty
You probably know generally what the company does, but make sure you know everything the company does. Who are their clients and customers? What products do they make? What services do they offer? Check out the website and show off your knowledge in the interview.
The inside scoop
There are a few good ways to dig a little deeper into your company. If you know someone who already works there, ask them for some information. It doesn’t have to be anything too invasive, just advice, insight, or the name of the person who might be interviewing you. If you play your cards right, they might even put in a few good words to the hiring manager on your behalf. If you don’t know anyone who works there, check out websites like Glassdoor or LinkedIn. You can probably find reviews and other relevant information like salaries, hiring details, and employee responsibilities.
A little research into the company prepares you for the interview and helps convey to the hiring manager that you’re sincerely interested in this job. You went out of your way to learn as much as you could and you’re willing to do what it takes to be successful. For more tips on preparing for a job interview, contact our team today.
