A lot of interviewees, especially the new ones, do not realize the importance of undertaking research on the company before their initial interview. Probably, because they spend so much time and energy making sure that they look professional, maintain eye contact, and carry their documents with them. While all that is important, it is also necessary to understand what the employer or interviewer is really interested in, and this is where carrying out research beforehand on the company comes in. This is one thing you have complete control over. The interviewer needs to know that you are interested in the company and can work well with the rest of the team. Listed below, are points and tips on the importance of carrying out research on the company before walking into an interview;
Gaining Knowledge on the
Company
Being knowledgeable is
always helpful during an interview. Tailor your research to important aspects,
such as the goals, objectives, policies, philosophies, and activities of the
company with regard to the interview. This will put you in a position to sell
why you would be a great fit for the team. The best place to get this kind of
information is usually the company’s website and social media.
Tip
The knowledge you've gathered from the research can help you come up with a few questions for the
interviewer, during the interview. This will create a great first impression
and will show the interviewer that you are ready to learn and work.
Looking Interested in the Job
Good research of a
company is key to looking interested in the position. From both the interviewer’s own standpoint, good research on the company’s policies, es shows that
you are really interested in the job and would like to know what you can
beforehand.
Tip
Make it clear to the
interviewer that the company’s objectives are also important to you and how it
will contribute to the company’s and your success. The interviewer will notice
that you did more than required of you, which is a good start and makes you
memorable for showing more interest.
Helps You Find an Open
Position Relevant to You
Good research will give
you the relevant information to fit your skills and resume, regarding the
position you are seeking. Go through the website, particularly the department
you are eyeing and get to learn all that you can about it and compare it with your
skillset and resume. Check to see how they relate. It is necessary to ask a few
questions, relating to your department of interest, to the interviewer where
you need.
Tips
1. Your skills, resume
and documents and information that you have gathered should be well connected
with each other. Let the employer know that you are ready to work in that
department and contribute to the growth of the company business and success.
2. In cases where you
have had past experience, bring your personal skills, relevant to the
department, to the table. Demonstrate to the interviewer how they can be used
in that position or department.
It Familiarizes You with Company Policies
The research should help
you get to know company policies, goals and objectives. This puts you above par
compared to the rest of the interviewees. Another advantage of this is that; in
case you are hired, you will have an easier time learning the ropes and how the
company works because you had prior information.
Tip
You can bring up
information about the company in a clever way during the interview. This will
create a good impression as the employer will notice that you went the extra
mile. It will increase your chances of landing the job.
Helps in Avoiding
Awkward Situations
Good research on the
Products and Services of the company, its customers, competition, size and such things equips you with information that will help you answer those killer
questions that usually come up in the course of the interview. You want to
avoid an awkward situation between you and the interviewers which will probably
reduce your chances of getting employment.
Tip
Sometimes the
interviewers ask random questions about the company just to see if you can keep
up. Try to cleverly tie your answers or response to the information gathered
during your research. This shows that you are smart and that you have an interest
which is great for the company.