how to research a company before interview

In the next 10 minutes, I’m going to show you exactly how to research a company for your job interview.

You want to go into the interview feeling ready and confident, and you don’t want to embarrass yourself.

That’s what good pre-interview research can do for you.

But what’s the fastest and easiest way to get enough information about a company to avoid interview mistakes and make a great first impression? And what exactly should you be researching?

Keep reading for everything you need to know…

How to Research a Company for a Job Interview

1. research the company website.

Go to the business’ website and find out about what products or services they provide. What do they sell and how do they make money? Why might the company’s clients choose them?

Learn anything you can about the company culture , too. Click buttons like “About Us” or “Meet Our Team” when you’re on the company website.

Then visit their “Careers” section to see what jobs are posted in general. Make sure you’re familiar with the job description and get a feel for the other jobs they’re hiring for.

Finally, see if the company has a mission statement. Knowing the company’s mission will help you understand what they care most about, so that you can show these traits in the job interview.

This is the longest step in the process of researching a company, but it’ll give you a ton of information you can use in your answers, and knowing more about them will help you explain why you wanted to apply for the job .

2. Search Google News for Recent Company Developments

This is a relatively short step, but still important for how to research a company before your interview.

As you conduct company research, go to Google News to read some recent developments and press releases, so you can get a sense of what the company is working on.

Find a piece of good news, a recent change, acquisition or new project, or anything else you can find about the company online.

You’ll notice more info available for large companies, but you may still find valuable news articles and stories for smaller companies, too.

Your goal in this research, for each of your target companies, is to find one action they took recently that you can ask about in the interview.

For example, you’d ask, “I read you recently did ___, can you tell me more about that?”

They’ll be impressed that you know the latest news about them.

Most job seekers are asking boring, generic questions in the interview (like, “What is your company’s mission?”)

So if you can ask a question about a recent news story, it’s going to set you apart.

Here are 27 more unique questions job seekers can ask in the interview.

That brings me to one other piece of job search and career advice: Never ask a question that could be answered on the company’s website.

3. Review the Company’s Social Media Accounts

Next, research the company’s Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and other social profiles to see recent news you might have missed on Google News in step 2. You might see pictures of employee outings too, etc. You’ll get a great sense of the company culture and the type of people who work there.

This will give you more fuel and ideas for questions you can ask in the interview too.

For example, you could ask, “I saw on Facebook you recently had a company charity event. Can you tell me about what else the company does to facilitate team-building and/or charitable giving in the community? It’s great that those are a part of your company’s values. That’s something I’m looking for in an employer.”

You can also look for the company on YouTube. Do a quick search and see if they have a channel.

More and more companies are sharing video content, so this is a worthwhile step in terms of how to research a company very thoroughly before you talk to them.

You might also see their office in a video which will make you more comfortable when you arrive for an interview. You’ll feel like you’ve been there before.

4. Competitor Research

If you really want to impress the company with how much you researched them before the interview, head over to similarweb.com , type the company name or website into the search bar, and then find the button that says “similar sites”.

Click it and you’ll see companies that are similar to the company you’re interviewing at. Try to find a few key differences and similarities, so you can show you understand the whole marketplace and industry, not just the company you’re interviewing with.

If you do this, most hiring managers will be VERY impressed.

If you’re interviewing in a new industry this becomes even more important. But it’s a great step for anyone who wants to research a company before a job interview.

5. Research Employees on LinkedIn

Search on LinkedIn to find employees of the company. Better yet, find people in the same type of group or role that you’re interviewing for. What type of background do they have? You might spot a trend for the type of person a company likes to hire.

This research will help you understand what the company looks for in the hiring process, so that you’ll be better prepared for questions they throw at you in the interview.

LinkedIn isn’t just a great job search resource , it’s also a powerful research tool. If you don’t already have an account that’s active and up-to-date, you should definitely make one. If you’re not convinced, here are 5 reasons you should use LinkedIn .

6. Research the Hiring Manager

Next, use LinkedIn to research the hiring manager’s background.

How long have they been with the company?

What’s their educational background?

What previous jobs have they worked to get to the point they’re at?

This is a great way to prepare to pass your interview . You might even see something you have in common with the hiring manager, such as a sport you played in college.

And if not, you’ll still know more about them than most candidates going in for the interview. So it’ll be easier to bond and build rapport, or talk about topics that they’re familiar with.

7. Industry Research

Next, if you’re attending a job interview in an unfamiliar industry, you should go beyond researching the company and also dig into the industry overall.

Browse social media accounts of other businesses in the industry, read a few trade publications online, see what types of jobs are posted in this industry, and more.

What types of products and services does the industry provide in general?

What are some of the latest developments happening?

What are some common types of jobs in the industry?

You can look at industry news in Google, check company social media accounts, and more to gather this information.

8. Research the Company’s Job Interview Process

There are a variety of websites that allow job seekers to write about their job search experience and which interview questions they faced. So I recommend searching Google for terms like “<Company Name> interview questions” and “<Company Name> interview process.”

You won’t find information about this for every employer, but you should find some hints about the interview process for most large employers, which can be a big aid in your job search.

Then, you’ll know how to better prepare for your job interview to show you’re a fit for the company’s culture and role.

9. Read Employee Reviews

Next, consider visiting a site like Glassdoor.com to read reviews from current and past employees.

This may give you more hints about how the company operates, which will help you prepare great interview answers.

You’ll also gain valuable information to help you decide if you do or don’t want to work for this company!

You may spot a red flag or two that you’d like to ask about in the interview.

You wouldn’t have found this on a casual visit to the company’s website. So reading reviews from real employees will give you a better understanding of what your life will be like if you accept their job.

Those are the best steps you can take for pre-interview company research. I recommend doing everything above if you have time.

10. Additional Research for Public Companies

If a company is publicly traded, it must release an annual report, quarterly financial statements, and more.

You can see their stock price, read recent stock news, and more.

For public companies, you’ll often see an “investor relations” button when you visit the company website (usually in the site footer).

You can also search for the company name on a website like Google Finance to read about their financial health and explore recent financial data and statements.

This doesn’t need to be an in-depth, time-consuming step when researching a company, but it’s worth noting whether they’re publicly traded or not, and how the company’s stock is doing.

Final Step: Review Your Company Research

Now you know what to research about a company before the interview.

As a final step, make sure you can answer these questions about a company:

• Who is the CEO ?
• When/why was the company founded?
• Does the company have one or multiple locations? And where are they headquartered?
• How does the company make money? What do they sell and who is their typical customer?
• Why do their customers choose them?
• How are they different from their competitors?
• How would you describe the company culture?
• Does the company have a mission statement or a reason why they were founded?
• What do you know about the hiring manager’s background? How long have they been with the company?

Use that as a checklist to make sure you’ve researched the company enough before your interview.

Now that you know how to research a company before a job interview, you’re going to be able to make a better impression on recruiters and hiring managers, and turn more interviews into job offers !

About the Author

Read more articles by Biron Clark

2 thoughts on “How to Research a Company for an Interview: 10 Steps”

This was VERY resourceful. Thanks so much for the helpful tips.

Great list. Thank you!

Comments are closed.

12 Effective Ways to Research a Company Before an Interview

• Early Career

In preparation for your next job interview, we’ve gathered insights from top professionals, including HR executives and CEOs, to offer you the most effective strategies for researching a company. From analyzing employee social profiles to utilizing LinkedIn for company insights, explore the twelve comprehensive strategies these experts recommend for a deep dive into your potential employer’s world.

Analyze Employee Social Profiles

Observe active social media channels, check crunchbase for financial history, conduct informational interviews, research interviewers and company staff, study the company’s digital footprint, review website, reports, and employee insights, utilize glassdoor for candid feedback, leverage official channels and employee reviews, read between the lines of company communications, compare company with industry competitors, utilize linkedin for company insights.

Drawing from my dual background as an HR professional with five years of experience and an HR writer with four years under my belt, I’ve developed a keen eye for assessing company cultures and work environments beyond the company’s LinkedIn page and traditional review sites like Glassdoor. 

A key strategy is to closely observe how employees discuss their work environment and culture on their personal LinkedIn profiles. This approach offers authentic insights into the company culture, beyond what is officially presented.

For instance, recurring mentions of overtime, burnout, or high stress levels among employees are clear red flags, indicating a potential culture of overwork. Conversely, posts celebrating team achievements, work-life balance, or professional development suggest a positive, supportive environment. Such nuances provide valuable, candid insights into the company’s real culture, guiding you toward making a well-informed decision about your potential workplace.

Maheen Kanwal , HR Executive, B2B Tech SaaS Copywriter, Founder, Call to Authority

Assess the socials that they’re most active on so that you can really get a sense of what makes them ‘tick’, and what they’re likely to respond positively to. For example, if they have an office dog, then you can share your mutual love of dogs, or if they’re working on a certain project that they’ve shared, then you can comment on that project specifically.

Tracey Beveridge , HR Director, Personnel Checks

If you plan on working for a start-up, a scale-up, or a rapidly growing organization, I strongly recommend looking at Crunchbase to see their financial history. A great many privately owned companies survive almost entirely on venture capital, and the availability of this capital is paramount to their continued existence. 

Crunchbase outlines a company’s investment history, providing powerful insight into where the money is coming from. Consequently, when applying for jobs, it’s always worth keeping an eye on how much funding they have received, and for two reasons. Free-flowing funding means that salaries are likely to be paid as promised, as they are unlikely to run into financial problems in the short term. But also, if venture capital firms are interested in investing, this suggests the organization has something special going on, which is a positive sign.

Oliver Savill , CEO and Founder, AssessmentDay

One strategy I highly recommend for thoroughly researching a company before an interview is to leverage informational interviews with current or former employees. While online resources provide valuable information, speaking directly with individuals who have firsthand experience with the company can offer unique insights and perspectives.

Start by reaching out to your professional network or utilizing platforms like LinkedIn to identify individuals who currently work at or have previously worked for the company. Politely request a brief informational interview where you can ask questions about their experiences, company culture, values, and any other relevant aspects.

During the informational interview, focus on open-ended questions that encourage detailed responses. Inquire about the company’s mission, recent projects or initiatives, workplace environment, team dynamics, and growth opportunities. Additionally, ask about challenges they’ve faced and how the company addresses them, as well as any advice they have for potential candidates.

Listening attentively to their responses can provide valuable insights beyond what you might find in official company materials. Pay attention to recurring themes or sentiments, which can help you better understand the company’s culture and values.

After the informational interview, take notes and reflect on the information gathered. Compare it with other research sources, such as the company’s website, news articles, and employee reviews, to gain a comprehensive understanding.

Daniel Jorge , Senior Consultant, EC1 Partners

At the end of the day, companies are made up of people. It’s super important before an interview to do research about the people you’ll be speaking with. Just five minutes of Googling can do a lot… Look at their LinkedIn page (maybe you have connections or education in common) and find something interesting to discuss.

I’ve interviewed hundreds of people, and many don’t even look at our company website before speaking with us. Those that do just a little bit of research about the company and me really stand out and show they go the extra mile!

Corey Schwitz , CEO & Founder, On-Demand Salesforce, Hubspot and Revenue Ops Customization, Skydog Ops

A unique strategy for researching a company thoroughly before an interview is to study its digital footprint beyond the traditional scope of its official website and social media profiles. This involves a deep dive into various online platforms and resources where the company’s indirect presence can provide insightful context about its culture, reputation, and operational nuances. Here’s how to approach this:

Participate in or review discussions on industry-specific forums and online communities related to the company’s field. These platforms can offer unfiltered insights into the company’s reputation within the industry, emerging challenges it might be facing, and the innovations it’s known for.

Websites like Trustpilot, Yelp, or even product review sections on e-commerce platforms can provide a wealth of information about the company’s products or services, customer satisfaction levels, and how the company handles complaints or feedback. This research can explain the company’s customer service ethos and product quality.

Companies in regulated industries (finance, healthcare, etc.) should check reports and filings with regulatory bodies. These documents can shed light on the company’s compliance history, financial health, and any regulatory challenges it may have faced. This information can be particularly insightful for understanding the company’s operational rigor and market standing.

Vaibhav Kakkar , CEO, Digital Web Solutions

Before your interview, check the company’s website to learn about what it values and who leads it. Look at reports and financial statements for information on its finances and performance. Check news and social media for recent projects and how the company is perceived publicly. Read what employees say on sites like Glassdoor to understand how people feel about working there. 

Also, check LinkedIn for key people and connect with current or past employees if possible. This will give you a good understanding of the company, and during the interview, you can show that you know about its goals and values.

Eva Toledo , Senior Researcher, Kepler Search Pte Ltd

I would highly recommend using Glassdoor or any other tool that will provide candid feedback about an organization. While organizations can pay to try to have bad reviews removed, the on-the-ground feedback and how an organization responds can show a lot.

In my consulting practice, I was burned by this previously. A client that I was going to work for had really bad reviews about the culture, the owner, and red flags that would have been a tip-off of things to come. However, I ignored the data in front of me. They turned out to be very much like the reviews, and I should have heeded the warnings. I ended up leaving the client after about six months.

Ben Madden , Owner, HR Action LLC

I highly recommend utilizing the company’s official channels, particularly its website and published materials. Start by reviewing the About Us, Mission Statement, and Values sections to grasp the organization’s foundational principles and culture. Examine annual reports and financial statements for insights into the company’s financial health and performance. 

Additionally, explore recent news articles, press releases, and social media profiles to understand current developments and employee interactions. Leveraging employee review platforms like Glassdoor can provide valuable perspectives on the work environment. Connecting with current or former employees on platforms like LinkedIn can offer firsthand insights. 

This comprehensive approach ensures that candidates not only understand the business’s objectives and financial standing but also its culture and employee experiences, facilitating a more informed and tailored interview preparation.

Steven Mostyn , Chief Human Resources Officer, Management.org

The most important thing is to read between the lines on a company’s website and public communications to figure out what they really care about. Study their About page, press releases, leadership bios, and so on. Look for signs that they value innovation, people, or social responsibility in a way that appeals to you. Understanding what motivates a company will help the conversation flow better in interviews, beyond just your qualifications.

Additionally, check out news articles and reviews to get balanced inside perspectives from employees. Approach learning about a company as an interesting research project where no detail is too small. Doing this groundwork will allow you to assess if it’s a good fit, align values, and show how you can contribute.

I’ll admit I didn’t always do enough research early on and stumbled in interviews. But being your real self, focused on helping people more than profits, makes connections that the right organization will recognize.

Lou Reverchuk , Co-founder and CEO, EchoGlobal

One very effective tactic when researching the company you are about to interview with is not only studying the company’s history, products, services, and culture but also the company’s competitors to get a broader view of the industry and how the company stands against those competitors.

You can find company intelligence in industry reports, news articles, or in financial statements. This can help you to understand the competitive dynamics, current market trends, or present challenges. A good way to impress the interviewer can be to refer to their competitors and how they might be able to take account of this in the job you are applying for. It would show that you can think strategically and that you tend to be proactive.

An interviewer may ask you to describe some ways you might contribute to the company if you got hired. It’s a way of asking, “What can you do for us?” It can also be a way to determine your motivation and commitment to the company. Answering this question can help build your credibility and show the interviewer that you are excited to help the company grow. Some possible ways you might be able to contribute to the company that you’re interviewing for include bringing in new trends, being knowledgeable about the company, and being innovative.

Blake Smith , Marketing Manager, ClockOn

LinkedIn provides a wealth of information about companies, including their mission, values, products or services, and recent news or updates. Additionally, you can explore the company’s culture page on LinkedIn, which often includes employee testimonials and insights into the work environment. 

Another valuable aspect of LinkedIn is the opportunity to leverage your professional network. If you know anyone, past or present, who has worked at the company, you can reach out to them for insights or information. 

Connecting with current or former employees can provide you with firsthand perspectives on the company’s culture, work environment, and overall experience. They may be able to share valuable insights that go beyond what you can find through public sources. This knowledge will help you prepare for your interview and demonstrate your genuine interest in the company.

Heidi Hauver , Chief People Officer

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How To Research a Company for a Job Interview

7 Ways to Find Out What You Need to Know Before the Big Day

Visit the Company Website

Browse social media, use linkedin, get an interview edge, use google and google news, tap your connections, get to know the industry and competitors, how to use this research during interviews.

You may have heard the advice that it’s important to have some questions for the hiring manager when you’re interviewing for a job. It’s true that interviewers will expect you to be curious and interested in their organization, and they'll expect to show that by asking questions, but it’s also true that you should come to the interview with a good baseline of knowledge about the company.

Hopefully, you’ll learn a lot about the company during the interview—like whether the organization and the company culture are a good fit for you, for example. But during the interview is not the time to learn basic information about the company. You should know all that before you set foot in corporate HQ. 

The good news is that it’s easier than ever before to learn about an employer before the job interview. Take some time, in advance, to learn as much as you can online. Then, tap into your real-world network to see who you know who can help give you an interview edge over the other candidates. Do your research, and you’ll make a much better impression on the hiring manager. Here are tips for researching companies before the interview.

Start by visiting the company website. There, you can review the organization's mission statement and history, products and services, and management, as well as information about the company culture. The information is usually available in the "About Us" section of the site. If there's a Press section of the website, read through the featured links there.

Pay attention to themes that come up repeatedly on the site. As much as any stated corporate values, the words companies choose to describe themselves are telling. Do you want to work at a place where people are “driven to excellence,” or does that make you feel tired? Do you like the idea of working with people who consider their coworkers family, or do you need more distance between your job and your personal life? Of course, organizations use hyperbole when talking about themselves... but it’s often pretty telling hyperbole.

Next, check the company's social media accounts. Visit their Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages. This will give you a good sense of how the company wants its consumers to see it. Like or follow the company to get updates. You'll find some information you may not have found otherwise.

You may also uncover some red flags. If the organization doesn’t have a professionally managed social media presence, for example, or if it’s updated sporadically and inconsistently, they might not be totally in control of their public image.

LinkedIn company profiles are a good way to find, at a glance, more information on a company you're interested in. You'll be able to see your connections at the company, new hires, promotions, jobs posted, related companies, and company statistics. If you have connections at the company, consider reaching out to them. Not only can they put in a good word for you, but they may also share their perspective on the company and give you tips that will help you ace the interview.

Take a look at your interviewer's LinkedIn profile to get insight into their job and their background, as well. Look for any common links between you. Do you know the same people? Did you go to the same school? Are you part of the same groups, online or off? Those common links could help you establish rapport during the interview process. 

Consider looking up the company on Glassdoor . Their Interview Questions and Reviews section has a goldmine of information for job seekers.

You can find out what candidates for the positions you are interviewing for were asked and get advice on how tough the interview was. Use reviews to help get a sense of company culture. That said, take them with a grain of salt—employees are often most likely to leave reviews when they are unhappy. As you read reviews, look for repeated themes. The more mentions a given subject gets (whether it's praise for flexible hours or frustration with senior management) the more likely it is to be accurate.

Search both Google and Google News for the company name. This can be invaluable. You may find out that the company is expanding into Asia, for instance, or recently received a round of start-up funding. Or, you may find out that a recent product underperformed or had to be recalled. This knowledge can help shape your responses to interview questions.

Do you know someone who works at the company? Ask them if they can help.

If you're a college grad, ask your career office if they can give you a list of alumni who work there. Then email them, send a LinkedIn message, or call and ask for assistance.

As well as researching the company, it makes sense to review the overall industry. If you're interviewing for a job at a mortgage company, for instance, it's helpful to be informed about current homeownership trends. Get to know the company's biggest competitors and identify their successes and flaws, too. Insight into the company's industry and rivals are bound to impress interviewers.

During a job interview, interviewers ask questions to get to know candidates . But their main goal is to determine if a candidate will be a good fit for the position and company.

Your company research will make your responses to questions compelling and show that you'll be helpful to their goals and bottom line.

Plus, your knowledge will help you give a specific answer if you're asked why you'd like to work for the company. You can share details about things you find admirable about the company, its mission, or its culture.

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How to Research a Company for a Job Interview

As the world continues to recover from the COVID-19 crisis, your opportunities for employment may be growing. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says more companies are hiring, including those focused on health care and social assistance. In a survey conducted by staffing company Robert Half, job openings still outnumber candidates nearly 2 to 1.

If you’re job hunting, this is good news. When preparing for an interview, make sure to research the company's mission, reputation, finances, and more. This can help you appear as a knowledgeable, informed candidate to a recruiter or hiring manager when answering interview questions.

Here are 10 ways to conduct company research for an interview.

10 Things You Should Check Out Before Your Interview

1. visit the company website.

Learn about the company from the “About Us” section or any “Meet Our Team” section. These pages will give you an overview of the company, but be aware that these pages may be more geared toward attracting customers or clients. You might be able to get more insight about the job itself if the company has a “Careers” page.

Additionally, more job seekers are placing emphasis on a company’s values. In a recent article , Caitlin Duffy, research director at research and consulting firm Gartner, said, “You could call it the ‘Great Reflection.’ … It’s critical to deliver value and purpose.” Check out the company’s values page, mission statement, and any company culture page to gain more insight.

2. Check on the Company’s Financial Health

You don’t want to get involved with a financially troubled company. Investopedia says the single best indicator of a company’s financial health and long-term viability is its bottom line profit margin.

For many large companies, you should be able to find this and more financial information from a company’s quarterly earnings report, annual report, or conference calls with investors, the latter of which you might find on YouTube. If you’re interviewing with a startup, check out its profile on Crunchbase .

3. Learn About the Skills the Company Requires

You should be able to find out a lot in a job posting, including a general description, duties, education, experience requirements, and possibly starting salary range.

Also, take a good look at what they’re looking for in terms of knowledge, skills, and abilities. With this information, you should be able to decide what the company is seeking in a qualified candidate. This can help you position yourself in your interview.

>>Learn More: The Top 8 Soft Skills That Employers Want

4. Browse Social Media

Many companies are using social media to present themselves. According to Statista , 92.1% of larger U.S. companies used social media for marketing in 2022, up from 86.2% in 2013. The way social media is used can give you insight into companies.

Search out the company’s Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) pages to gain a sense of how the company wants to be perceived. You can also spot some red flags this way, such as a less-than-professional presence.

Also, it never hurts to check out the company on YouTube.

5. Explore LinkedIn

According to LinkedIn , more than 65 million companies use the site to connect with consumers, other companies, and prospective employees.

Companies share a lot of information on this platform, so make yourself familiar with it. You can see a company’s hires, promotions, jobs posted, related companies, and statistics. You can also see who they interact with.

You should search LinkedIn for people who are employed at the company. Learn about the company by looking at their employees’ experiences.

6. Search Google and Google News

Google is a valuable tool, beginning with its wide-ranging Search feature . Look for a company’s name and see what turns up. You may find out the company’s tactics, recent news releases, or plans.

Use the News tab to find out if the company has been in the news lately. You might find out whether the company has been having difficulties or had products recalled.

7. Use Glassdoor and Other Employee Sites

Glassdoor says 83% of its users are actively looking for jobs or are open to new opportunities. Explore the company’s Glassdoor listing, including their Interview Questions and Reviews section for valuable information for job seekers.

You can also see whether employees have left comments about the company — but recognize that sometimes the more disgruntled an employee is, the more likely they are to post.

8. Research the Field and Competitors

It is a good idea to research the competitors of the company you’re interviewing with. That can help clarify for you the company’s mission and needs.

Head to similarweb.com , type the company’s name, and then click “similar sites.” You can also look up competitors on LinkedIn by seeing what recommendations you get if you click on the interviewing company’s page.

9. Mine Your Current Connections

If you know someone who works at the company now, ask them for their insight. Check with other friends to see if they have friends who work there. This is where your own personal network can help out.

Networking events could also connect you with the right people to find out more information. It’s a good idea to keep building your network.

10. Find Out About the Hiring Manager

Lastly, before the interview, research the hiring manager or your interviewer on LinkedIn. Find out what you can about them, and see if there are any commonalities you share. This can give you an advantage during the interview because you’ll have a better chance of connecting with them and sparking a meaningful conversation.

>>Learn More: How to Tackle Tough Interview Questions

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How to Research a Company for an Interview in 6 Easy Steps

In This Guide:

Step 1: ask your network.

Step 2: Check out the company's blog on their website

Step 3: Comb through the company's social media accounts

Step 4: Job description

Step 5: Read reviews

Step 6: Examine media sources and press releases

Step 7: Examine your own values and career trajectory

You've been sending your resume and cover letter out to several companies, and you finally got an interview for a position that you love.

Before your interview, it's a good idea to know a little about the company, specifically the company's mission, culture, and values.

Understanding how the company operates allows you to discern if you feel you'd be a good fit for it. By researching companies, you can better prepare for the interview questions , tailoring your answers to the specific company and hiring manager.

In this article, we will discuss:

• 7 easy steps to research a company for an interview
• Suggestions on how to use your research during the interview

Before you head out and do some research on the company that you're interviewing for, speak with a career counselor from Enhancv . They can help you to refine your research and create valuable talking points to ace your interview.

7 steps to research a company for an interview

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If you are anything like me, you want to come prepared for your interview, knowing exactly what you need to know to make the best first impression. Alternatively, if you show up to a job interview without properly researching the company that you're applying for, you may feel ill prepared, stumbling over the main ideas that you'd like to convey.

If you want to be prepared for your next interview, follow these six steps to research the hiring company:

When you settle down in a career for a long period of time, you build up a network of contacts. Whether through vendors, clients, colleagues, or managers of other companies, reaching out to those people that you know may be your first step in understanding the reputation of the company that you're interviewing for.

Instead of just looking at the ways that the company represents itself online through marketing materials, social media posts, or philanthropic pursuits, asking someone you know who has an understanding of the company can give you key insights.

This type of research may be more intimate, allowing you to gain more of an understanding of how it feels to be someone who works at the company or interacts with management there. This type of research allows you to identify any red flags, things that may make you choose not to continue during the interview process with the hiring company.

It's important to keep in mind that you should take some of this word-of-mouth research with a grain of salt. For example, if you are speaking to former employees of the company, they may have more overtly negative things to say about it since they've stopped working there.

If you're just starting out in the industry, and you're fresh off an internship , you may be able to contact your university's career office, and ask if there are some alumni who attended the same school working at the company.

Who knows? Maybe you can get a job referral or reference from your network.

Advice for the interview

If possible, use your network as a starting place for research, but continue to do a little more research on your own to gain more of an understanding of how an organization operates. If someone in your network has something nice to say about the company, ask that person if it is okay if you shared it in the interview. You never know if the hiring manager may know the person who you're talking about.

Step 2: Check out the company's blog on their website

If you're interested in learning more about how the company operates, you should check out their website. Here you can gain a better understanding of the products and services they offer their customers, whilst also learning about the things that matter to them the most.

The best place to look for information on a company's website is their blog, as you can usually find great content that breaks down everything the company is doing. A company's blog is where an organization can share about what differentiates them from other organizations.

Most companies now are trying to become thought leaders in their industry, and on their website you can see a little more about the company's vision and values.

Even a company's annual report, which may be found on their website, can help to show you the financial health of the company, and even how they handle investor relations.

Another helpful place to look is on the "about us" page, which lists all the important people at the company. Here you can find employee bios. By looking at this page, you may be even able to find the name and position of the hiring manager that will be interviewing you for the position. This allows you to have all the information you need to choose your employer .

Whatever you glean from the company website can be used in your interview to show that you have done your due diligence. By quoting blog posts or white papers found on the website, you will impress interviewers and build rapport. You can actually strike up a meaningful conversation by pointing to the company's mission statement which you found on their website.

Step 3: Comb through the company's social media accounts.

Another great place to find information on the company online is to search through their social media accounts. There are two types of social media accounts that you can look for: the official company's social media account, and individual executive's social media accounts. The company social media account is the place where they put all the content that they would like to share with their target audience. You can actually see what they value the most at their company by what they post on their social media posts. Also, you can gain a lot of company information from the key players within an organization. Some large companies have executives with their own social media profiles, and you may be able to gain the inside scoop on the company values straight from their leaders.

By searching through social media posts, you may be able to read between the lines to find some red flags about the company. For example, if the CEO of the company explains how they are "driven to succeed and change the world", depending on your own personality, you may see this as something which could lead to a highly motivating company culture, or you could find it exhausting.

Every bit of research can give you insights into the company's history, and reasons for you to work there.

Step 4: job description

This may be one of the places that you may have forgotten about, but jobseekers can gain a lot of information from the job description. Not only do you gain information about the hiring process, most job applications provide you with a short introduction to the company, specifically their culture, vision, and values.

In the job description, you are also given information about the tasks and duties of the role. Scour the job description to learn about what roles you'll fill, and what duties and responsibilities you'll be expected to complete.

Some job descriptions also offer information on employee benefits, like medical, pension plans, and even stock options.

All the research you gain from the job description can actually be really helpful during an interview, as it can provide you with questions for your interviewer. Having questions ready for your interviewer can differentiate yourself from other applicants. Also, most job descriptions tend to be fairly generic, so come ready with a few questions up your sleeve to gain a better idea of the position.

Related: Sure-Fire Zoom Interview Tips to Ace Your Online Interview

Reading employee reviews can be viewed as a secret weapon when researching for an interview. Even a quick search of the business on an employee review website, can give you quite a bit of information about what it's like to practically work there.

As you scour the reviews, look for common themes which seem to show up from all employees. If several former employees share that the bosses have a tendency to overwork their employees, then this may be a sign that the company doesn't offer a great work/life balance.

Although you may not want to reference reviews of a business from former employees, keep some reviews in the back of your mind when you are answering questions for the interview. Check to see how they treat their current employees, as well as the expectations and goals that will be placed on you.

Step 6: examine media sources and press releases

Another type of research is to do a Google News search to see how media sources are portraying the company. Just do a quick search of the company name, and you may be able to gain information like how the company is expanding operations into Europe and Asia.

You may also be able to gain information on philanthropic pursuits that the company has done within their community.

The last thing that you're going to want to do is to understand your own values and career trajectory. This may be the hardest type of research that you'll have to do, as you'll have to look deep inside yourself to see exactly what you want to get out of your next job.

Some informational interview questions might actually tap into your own values and career trajectory. For example, you may be asked in an interview, "What do you like the most about your work?" Coming prepared with an understanding of what motivates you can help you answer this question.

advice for the interview

An interview is a feeling out process, whereby an interviewer and interviewee can decide whether they feel like they can work together. So come ready to talk about yourself and be honest in your interview answers.

Major takeaways:

• Check out the company's online presence through their social media accounts, website, and blog.
• Use your network of friends, family members, former employees, and those you went to university with to help you to gain an understanding of the company.
• Check out former employees' reviews of the company on review websites.
• Examine yourself, before interviewing for a position, to see exactly what you want to get out of the role.

While we're on the subject of examining your own vision for your career trajectory, you should speak to a career counselor from Enhancv . Within the first meeting, you can begin to share a bit of the information about you, and gain insights into where you would like your career to go.

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How to Nail your next Technical Interview

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The Complete Guide to Researching a Company Before an Interview

Last updated by Ashwin Ramachandran on Apr 01, 2024 at 01:15 PM | Reading time: 20 minutes

If you're coming to do an interview with me, you should know about me. – WizKid

Jill is interviewing at a big social media company for the role of a backend developer. She's pumped, eager, and raring to go. She's taken mock interview sessions and knows her domain of work like the back of her hand.

She pretty much feels she can clinch the job pretty comfortably.

When she gets to the interview, however, she is asked one question that throws her off guard.

'So, Jill, tell us what you know about our company?'

Jill is visibly perturbed. She knows only the very basics, so she wings it and tells them what she knows about the organization. But the interviewer probes a little deeper. He wants to know the number of projects they have been involved in, and the latest steps they've taken to gather more advertisers. Jill is lost and begins to fumble. It's apparent she doesn't know jack about the company.

To the interviewer, it shows a lack of interest and disrespect to the company itself.

The interview is as good as over.

Jill should have researched the company as assiduously as possible. Why? When you go to work for someone, you should know everything about them so that you are confident your goals are aligned.

If only Jill had taken some interview prep courses where they would have taught her the importance of researching a company thoroughly, she wouldn't have had to go through the disappointment of losing a golden opportunity.

Here's what you will find in this article!

Why is it a good idea to research a company before going for an interview?

Advantages of researching the company before going for an interview

How to perform research on a company

Final step: The complete checklist before you hit the interview

Tools for researching companies

How to prepare for technical interview

Researching about the company should be a part of your pre-interview preparation. It shows commitment, eagerness and willingness to become part of the family, and that is something employers are seeking.

As a person looking for employment, you should realize that the competition is cut-throat and only the very best of the crop are gleaned from working at prestigious companies. If you want to be a part of them, you must take pre-interview preparation very seriously. Google interview questions, along with doing your research on the company and practice answering these points at home.

One of the rudiments of pre-interview preparation is to learn everything about the company at which you were going to interview. Doing so signals many more in-depth notions about you.

Firstly, it shows that you want to work with them , not just gain employment.

Next, you will try to fit into their work culture, and understand what that work culture is.

Thirdly, you are interested in sticking around to build a career with them.

• It Shows Excitement for the Job and Company

When you are excited about something, you put your heart, mind and soul into knowing everything there is to know about it. It's the same with a job.

Job research and intimately knowing the company could work in your favor even at a start-up, as the panel will be impressed that you took the time to learn whatever you could about them.

• It Allows You to Answer According to the Company's Needs

Take this as some career advice, which you should keep with you throughout your life:

Employers are looking to hire someone that will fit into their company, and a big part of the interview will be your trying to convince them that you can fit into their team without any hitches.

So, know what you bring to the table and make sure that it is something they are looking for; otherwise, it is just the case of misaligned stars.

For example, if their need is to make websites with a better user experience, then talk about your experience in that particular field. And how would you know that need unless you researched them beforehand?

• It Shows That You Want A Long-Term Career With The Company

There is a significant difference between getting a job and having a career. If you are looking to work for the sake of 'working', it will show in your shoddy researching about the company . But if you want a long-term career with the company that translates into many years of service, then you will go in-depth into the research.

Employers are looking for someone to stick around past the two-year mark. They spend a lot of money on training and hiring you, so they want their money's worth. They will keep a lookout for those who are just there to ride the high tide for a few years and then move on and immediately reject them.

• It Helps You Answer 'Why Do You Want To Work For Us?'

At some level, this question is philosophical. It plumbs the very depths of your soul. Suppose you want to come up with an answer to this question, you have to do your interview preparation . Identify some pain points of the company that you can help to solve.

If it is a web design company that hasn't been doing too well, then say that you can help to design the front end-user experience better so that they perform in this aspect. Remember, the employer knows you need the money, but he or she wants to know how hiring you can help solve their need. They are hiring because they have a big vacuum somewhere in their structure. If you can help fill the vacuum, then it's a date!

That is why researching about the company provides you with information about the various roles they need someone to play and how you can fill that role.

• It Lets You Ask Probing Questions

There comes a time in the interview when the floor is opened to you to ask questions. Do not jeopardize this time. Ask such vital and probing questions that get them to sit up and take notice of you.

Here is where knowing how to research a company comes in handy. If you have done a meticulous study on the company, then you can air the knowledge you have gathered through pertinent, short questions that cut to the heart of the matter.

• It Helps You Know Your Interviewer

As a part of your pre-interview preparation, do some research on the person who will be conducting the interview. That will help you to break the ice and have some common ground on which you can build the interview .

Your interviewer has probably already googled you, so it is all right for you to do the same. Do not, at any cost, sound like a crazy stalker that knows what their favorite breed of dog is or where their children go to school.

Learn something light about them like their alma mater or their favorite football team Keep your pre-interview preparation meticulous but do not border on crazy.

Here are three wacky interview questions meant to tease the interviewee!

• How would you solve this problem if you were from Mars?
• What do you think of garden gnomes?
• Why are maintenance holes round?

Want to find the right job for yourself? A large part of being safely ensconced in a job that you love is to look for the right organization.

You won't fit in everywhere, so look out for those companies that match your goals and outlook.

Here are some tips on how to research a company before you apply for a job there.

• Look for companies that share your values

It is sound career advice to work for people who share the same values as you, as later, during work, there won't be any clashes on morality or ethical issues.

Also, the nature of the work you do should be meaningful to you. If you are not creatively onboard, the job is probably a waste of time for you as your end games do not coincide.

Read the About Us pages of the company and go through the section on goals and outlook. These should give you an idea into what makes them tick, and your interview preparation will become that much easier.

• Look into the employee benefits the company provides

What makes a workplace better than its competitors? It is when the company offers perks and various benefits like flexible work schedules or stock options.

Even something small like a gym or a cafeteria can significantly boost employee retention and make working for them a dream. So do considerable research into the company and find out its various perks and benefits.  

• Learn about how the company makes its money

One of the items to check off your list while researching how to prepare for job interview is to learn how the company of your choice stays in business.

What are they making? Who is buying what they are making? These two are the main questions you should ask.

Following this, there are other questions like: is the company a start-up or an established company? Who are the company's investors, and how does it plan to stay in business in the future?

You will get this information from the public documents that the company releases. Their annual reports are a great source of data as well. Go through these documents and glean as much information you can about their finances.

• Look into the company's leadership

You might have taken technical interview prep mock classes to work in the same company where your coding idols are working. But during your how to research a company, you failed to research the various leaders in that organization adequately. And now find yourself working under a boss that is quite unlike the pioneer that helped to found your company.

To avoid disappointments such as this, research those who hold the top leadership positions in the agency. Visit their social media pages and LinkedIn profiles to see what they post and how they help the field they work in advance

if you are wary, back off immediately. If you are smitten, however, then take the plunge.

• Research the Company's YouTube and Research Employees on LinkedIn

For a better shot at how to research a company , have a look at their YouTube posts. You will know the latest news and updates that the organization has posted. It will help to broaden your view of the set-up and be updated regarding their work.

Even employees' LinkedIn profiles have a great way of giving you clues into the company's social life and work ethic. So before interviewing, check out the firm on LinkedIn and especially check the suggestions. The suggestions are most likely to be the employees.

• Research into news and recent events, local news stories, forums and business journals

A great tip on how to prepare for job interview is to scour the social media handles and the blogs, websites of the organization. Doing so gives you an idea into what the company is recently working on, as well as what their achievements, awards, and latest innovations are.

In addition to this, follow the regular news and find out what others are writing about the company. Read product reviews on forums. With a fine-toothed comb go through the news and see what the most recent developments on the organization are. All this will keep you updated on the happenings.

• Know the company's strong points

You should know how the company stands out among its competitors. Why? Every company looks to be fulfilling a unique market need. If you do not know that, you do not know them.

What are its USPs? What makes it able to withstand the test of time? Read the company's About Us page and understand how well they have managed to stick to their mission and goals.

Sometimes you may even be pointedly asked: Tell us why we are the best cloud computing firm around? At times like this, you must not wonder whether they are the best cloud computing firm or not. You should know .

• Check the financial health of the organization

The financial health profile of every company is out there on their website. All you have to do is access it and draw intelligent conclusions. While no one expects you to know the stock prices, it does help if you know how much money they are bringing in and how much they are spending. Where do they rank on wealth? How much are they projected to grow? Where do their assets stand?

For a start-up use Crunchbase to find out the company's latest stocks and figures, which will help you to speak intelligently on their finances.

• Keep an eye out on  community interaction

To understand the company's tenor, it is best to scour their social media platforms and find out if they are a very professional or quirky in their approach when it comes to interacting with others.

During the interview you can mention that their World Environment's Day greeting was very on point or their opinion on the presidential election was a refreshing viewpoint. Either way, study how they interact and follow suit. Also, learn if the company addresses any complaints made to it or do they flub. Observe and bring it up in the interview.

• Try some new ways to find information

If the traditional spying routes are not yielding any information, then it is time to go undercover. Ask former employees or else the current employees what the work culture is like at that ecommerce set-up. Glassdoor.com is the go-to place to get any news on an organization.

Stories on the work culture are what you are trying to gain, and while it may not come up in the interview, it will be useful for you to know. One of the vital clues it may throw up are the flaws of the company which you can discuss post-interview.

• Find out about the other competitors in the field

When it comes to how to prepare for job interview, one tip is you want to sound more knowledgeable. How can you do that?

It would help if you studied up on the industry as a whole and learnt about their archrivals and upcoming competition. If you can sound like a specialist, then you can convincingly answer the question "why do you want to work at our company and not at so-and-so?"

When they ask you this question, you can accurately rattle off why you think they are better than their competitors and it what ways.

• Ask your network for opinions

The best way to get accurate discernment into the workplace you hope to join is through people who are already working there. Friends, college alumni and other online contacts can help you to understand the behind-the-scenes of your chosen workplace. Their insider's knowledge can prove invaluable to you.

• Scan the news headlines

Keep a weather eye on the news for any layoffs or mergers that the company might be inking soon. These red flags will help you take a call on whether you want to join them during this period of unrest. Google interview questions but do not forget to check the news!

• Set aside the time necessary to research properly

Researching about the company takes time, and you may not have time to do it. So set aside time before you go to sleep or 20 minutes while on the commute. Here are some details that you should research:

• The company history
• The department for which you want to work
• Work culture
• Business model
• Figure out the type of company you want to work for

Are you interested in social media companies or hardcore tech and network solutions companies or ecommerce firms? Before you learn how to prepare for job interview, you should take time to understand the domain in which you want to specialize. The rest of your career trajectory depends on the choices you make today, so choose wisely.

• Air your knowledge at strategic points

While you may have done a lot of research, there are specific moments in the interview when you should air this knowledge. Usually, when they ask you: "do you have any questions for us?" is an excellent time to ask your questions. Another strategic time to ask questions is when they ask you your strengths or why they should hire you. Cleverly weave in some projects they are working on, and say that you are an expert in those subjects, so the fit is just right.

Image Source: https://unsplash.com/photos/KdeqA3aTnBY

Here is a final checklist you should tick off before you head out to any interview.

• Who is the company's CEO?

Can you answer this one before heading out the door? If you cannot, please take a moment. You need to recheck the company's LinkedIn profile or its Twitter account. If the company is a start-up, then ask the person who introduced you to the job to tell you this piece of information.

• When and why was the company founded?

While this may not be such an essential question for start-ups, it is a pretty important question for those big boys you want to play with. They have been around longer, and it is quite a logical segue to know how many years they have been in the business. Also, find out what was their philosophy before starting up.

• Do they have global or countrywide locations? If so, where.

This tidbit is vital to know so that you are aware of how many countries they are presently working in.

• For which location are you interviewing?

Many times it happens that the interview is being held at one place for a different location. To avoid this misunderstanding, be aware of which branch you are interviewing.

• How do they make their income? Are they selling products or services? What's their target audience?

To easily answer this question, you should be able to know the company's business model and how they make their money. Also, know these questions : What are they selling? Services or products? Who is their target customer?

• Why do their customers like them?

If you can answer this question, you will have a happy board of interviewers. They'd like to know that you have gone through the extra bit of effort to find out why they have satisfied customers and repeat clients.

• How is the company different from its competitors?

Knowing how a company stands out from its competitors proves that you have researched the whole field of work and are eager to take your place as a worthy foot soldier.

There are several tools to research companies. They include a variety of online and offline tools. Here is a quick guide:

• Use social media handles like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram
• LinkedIn profile of their employees
• Reviews on Glassdoor.com
• Check the company's website
• Google News
• Similarweb.com

Take any interview preparation seriously. You have got only one shot, so make it matter. You should know that you have done the best preparation possible and are giving it your 100%.

For the technical round though, you may have to take additional coding interview preparation to really be at the top of the game.

For your convenience, you may also Google interview questions that are commonly asked and prepare those.

But for the class-leading FAANG companies, you should consider technical interview prep mock classes.

These classes will polish you off, and that will help you to stand out among your competitors. Such interview prep courses have a sharp insight into the type of questions that are commonly asked at these interviews. Knowing the questions in advance will boost your chances of answering better.

Ashwin Ramachandran

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How to Research a Company Before an Interview

You can prepare for an interview by researching the company to discover how they treat their customers and employees, what goals they want to reach and what they stand for. This research provides you insight to prepare quality answers and ask the most relevant questions. It also allows you to highlight what interested you in the position and company during your interview. In this article, you will learn how to research a company before an interview so you can impress the interviewer.

Why research a company before an interview?

The information you gather from researching the company can help you illustrate your personal values and goals to your interviewer, setting you apart from other candidates. You should research the company you’re interviewing with in order to:

• Decide if you want to work for the company.  In your research, you may find that the organization’s culture and goals match yours, which may increase your interest in having a successful interview. You may also see that employees stay with the company for many years, which can be a sign that this company serves its employees well.
• Explain why you want to work for the company.  Your interviewer may ask you why you want to work for the company, and researching the company ahead of time can help you prepare effective response. Learn about the company’s culture, values and goals so you can provide specific reasons in your response.
• Show your interest in the industry and the company.  You can demonstrate your passion for your industry and excitement for working with a company by preparing talking points that are important to you and your career. This strategy can show how motivated you are in serving on their team.
• Prepare your answers.  Your research might give you ideas as to what the interviewers might ask or want to discuss. If you know the company well, you may be able to anticipate their questions and respond clearly and thoughtfully. You might also be more confident and relaxed. 
• Ask relevant questions.  The end of the interview is your opportunity to ask the interviewer questions. Prepare several questions you want to ask based on your research. 

How to research a company

Follow these steps to research a company before an interview:

1. Read the company’s website and learn about what’s important to them

Many company sites have an ‘About Us’ page that describes the organization’s history, founders, location, size, values and purpose. If the company has a ‘Recent News’ page, make sure to read their latest press releases and announcements to learn about important events, such as recent mergers or major hires. You can use this information to better understand the company’s mission, goals and achievements and see what contributions you can make.

You should also familiarize yourself with the company’s products or services to prepare you for questions regarding your knowledge of what the company provides. Be sure to understand the value each product or service brings to further demonstrate your investment in the company’s goals.

2. Research the industry and the latest company news using search engines

Search engines can reveal information not listed on a company’s website. Customer reviews are particularly useful for learning about a company’s reputation or the quality of their services or products. You can also use search engines to identify the company’s competitors, which can provide you insight into the company’s position in the industry. You can use the information on customer satisfaction and competitors to show that you care about the company’s success and reputation. 

3. Check their social media accounts and see how they interact with their audience

Browse the company’s social media profiles to see how they promote their products or services, interact with customers and demonstrate their company culture. You may find posts that advertise a new product launch, announce a new solution to common customer issues or publish photos of a recent team outing. All of this information can show you how the company publicly presents its mission and values, and it can provide more talking points for your interview. 

Consider complimenting how their customer service team uses social media to answer questions or asking about other team-building activities they have planned for the next quarter. This step can help you further demonstrate your interest in joining the team and being a part of their goals.

4. Research your interviewer to find personal and professional connections

Before your interview, you can search for the hiring manager on their professional networking profile to see if you have anything in common, such as a mutual connection or area of study in college. This information can help you form a more personal connection with your interviewer to improve their ability to recall you when making their hiring decision.

5. Use your professional network to learn more about the company and opportunity

You can use your own professional network to learn more about the company you’re interviewing with. Consider reviewing your contacts to see if you have first or second connections who currently work for the company or have worked there in the past. 

You may reach out to those connections to get an insider’s perspective on the company culture and day-to-day environment. You might even learn more about the company’s interview process as well, further preparing you for specific questions. This strategy may also provide you with a reference who might reach out to the hiring manager on your behalf.

As you collect information, consider writing a list of items you find most important or relevant to your prospective role, professional goals or personal values. You can review this list before your interview to ensure you can easily recall these details as you discuss the opportunity with your interviewer.

• Find a company

Beyond the basics: advanced strategies for researching a company before an interview

Mar 29, 2023

Have you ever drawn a blank when asked a question about the company you’re interviewing for? Embarrassing, right? Employers favor applicants who are familiar with their business, and if you fumble over a basic question like, “Why do you want to work here?” you’ll likely be out of consideration. According to an American Staffing Association survey , only 73% of women and 66% of men agree that researching the company before an interview is essential. In such a competitive labor market, job hunters can’t afford to skip this step.

To help you prepare, human resource professional Natalyn McCants shares her expert advice on what to research, where to find information, and how to use it during your interview. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your career, these interview prep strategies are sure to help you make a lasting impression.

How to research a company for an interview

McCants first points out that the more senior the role , the more information she expects the candidate to know. But no matter the level of seniority, here’s where you should start.

The About Us page

The About Us page is the gateway to the company’s DNA. It has all the information about the company, McCants explains. It will have its history and story, which McCants says is important to know . “You want to learn as much as possible about the organization,” she says, and the About Us page will have it all. So go ahead and learn as much as possible from this page.

However, two sections are particularly important, adding McCants: the company’s mission and values. According to a 2022 Qualtrics study, 72% of workers feel personal accomplishment at work when they align with their company’s mission , vision, and values, and 70% are likely to recommend their employer as a great place to work.

Company mission

Effective mission statements summarize and convey the company’s goals and what it represents. It not only tells the world what the company is about, but it’s also a tool the company can use to recruit the right type of candidates . For McCants, finding alignment with yourself and the mission statement is important. Mission statements can distinguish where the company plans to go in the future , and the more their future goals align with yours, the better. McCants also notes that it’s crucial to show this alignment during the interview .

Company values

Ensuring that the company’s values align with your personal values is key, according to McCants. This creates increased synergy between you and the company leading to a better work relationship . “For example, if work-life balance is important in your life, then you don’t want to apply for a company where balance isn’t something they value or provide employees with,” McCants explains. You want a company that allows you to achieve your goals, she adds. Create, practice, and deliver a pitch explaining this connection for the interview.

Of course, it’s not entirely possible to understand the ins and outs of a company’s mission and values just by looking at its website. However, taking note of how they phrase things and how they talk about their workforce can give you some insights. Keep an eye out for these keywords throughout the company website.

Beyond the website

Want to impress the recruiter with more than what’s shared on the website? There’s a whole digital world out there, which means there are a whole lot of resources for you to check out before your interview.

Financial statements

Financial statements are written records illustrating a company’s business activities and financial performance. Some companies make them public, and some don’t. But make sure you check and study up if they’re available , McCants encourages. “I would be impressed if they had looked into the company’s financials,” she adds. “Especially for a more senior role or a position close to business operations.”

Find out where the business is now, and work it into your conversation. To get really specific, McCants recommends going deeper. If the company is publicly traded, the SEC’s EDGAR database provides free public access to corporate financial information and operations.

Latest news and events

Find out what new developments are happening in the company. Most companies have a page on their website dedicated to press releases and events. However, McCants suggests doing your own digging on Google. “If the industry or company is going through a shift, it’s essential to know,” she recommends. Take a look at what they’ve posted on social media lately, especially news and announcements that you can work into your conversation with the interviewer. “You want to learn as much as possible about the organization,” she adds.

Look at the department and role

Depending on the role you’re interviewing for, you should look up past initiatives. For example, “for a marketing position, you want to be aware of what they’ve done in the past, what they missed, and what [you] can bring to the team,” explains McCants. Look at what skills they value most and what skills they’re missing . “Show them what experience you can bring to the table,” she adds. Try to find information relevant to the role you’re applying for, find where they are trying to go, and tell them how you can contribute to the team’s future, McCants recommends.

Customer and employee reviews

Social media platforms and sites like Glassdoor are good ways to discover how the company is perceived from the outside and inside. “This is important for people in marketing or HR roles, as they need insight into this data,” McCants suggests. Look at the feedback, find solutions, and use it in your interview strategy and when preparing your answers .

When it comes to social media, looking at the comments section can be useful, but proceed with caution—disgruntled ex-employees or internet trolls are never far!

Is it stalking or just interview prep?

When it comes to researching the person interviewing you, “I always do,” says McCants. Some interviewers care, while others don’t. “We’re all different people,” she adds. “I personally look people up on LinkedIn where they can’t see me.” You can adjust your LinkedIn settings to browse profiles in private or semi-private mode.

Looking up the interviewer’s profile isn’t about being nosy; you’re learning about their interests. But most importantly, McCants says, you’re looking for similarities between you and the interviewer . “Maybe you like the same sports team, worked at the same company, or went to the same school, anything that might connect the two of you.” You can bring it up during the early introductions, McCants recommends. You want to relate to them, build connections and make yourself memorable. Don’t forget to ask the recruiter who you will speak with for the following interview. “Usually, the recruiter will give you that information,” McCants says.

How to prove you’ve done your research

McCants doesn’t quiz her candidates on company information. She expects the candidate to show their knowledge when answering scenario-based questions.

Slide it into the conversation

“It’s important to be consistent and not sound pompous when answering these questions,” she adds. To know the best time and information to slide into the discussion, you really need to know your facts before the interview. “Catch the opportunity and say it,” she adds. “But this is only possible with the right preparation.” McCants advises against giving their website a quick skim, but rather immersing yourself in their world until you’re comfortably familiar . The more you know, the more opportunities you’ll have to slip your knowledge into conversation.

Showing your values align

When the interviewer asks you a scenario-based question like, “Tell me about a time when X, Y, Z,” McCants says. “You should have a story prepared using the wording in their values.” For example, if teamwork is important to the company, ensure your story shows you’re a team player . This displays, without directly saying, that you have similar values to the company .

Showing you know the business and financials

It can be as simple as congratulating the interviewer on a publicly shared achievement . Or, if the company is a startup, and they have achieved Unicorn status, bring that into the conversation, McCants adds. She gives an example: “If you’re discussing navigating the chaotic startup environment, but you researched that a large company recently acquired them, you can mention how this acquisition benefits them. Then congratulate them.”

How can you tell if your research served you?

Do you want to know if your approach was the right one? Just ask! Recruiters want you to succeed, and they can be valuable resources. Ask the recruiters if they have any additional information and tips, McCants recommends. “They don’t always offer the information, but I have never had a negative response. It’s a smart tactic,” she adds.

McCants always asks for feedback after an interview . However, the feedback will only be useful if you apply it to your future strategies . Early in her career , McCants received input to learn more about the organization, which she had done but hadn’t presented correctly. Now she’s an expert in weaving information into conversations seamlessly!

Remember, you’re only human

Another piece of advice McCants received after an interview was to be more human. “They told me my interview was textbook, but when I asked for feedback, the recruiter hadn’t seen my personality until the last question.” You want to be able to connect with them and be memorable , so if you sound like a robot just reciting their website, the recruiter can’t see who you truly are as a candidate. She adds, “There’s that additional feeling you get when you’re having a real conversation, so make sure you keep your personality in your answers.”

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Ace your job interview with our comprehensive guide. From preparing for different recruiters to managing informal moments, our tips and techniques will help you shine.

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• The Pre-Interview Research...

The Pre-Interview Research Checklist

5 min read · Updated on October 12, 2022

Looking for creative ways to research a prospective employer beyond checking out the website? Let us help.

Everyone knows that candidates are supposed to research a company before heading into the interview. However, what exactly does that mean? Is looking up the company's website enough, and if not, how much more should you do?

What amount of research is appropriate and expected isn't just an idle question; candidates are often applying to more than one company. Combine multiple applications with full-time work at the current employer and it's clear that time is limited. How can you structure your research to yield maximum value and give you the edge you need — without spending hours online?

Begin with the company basics

The company website is a great place to start. Keep in mind that, much like your own resume and cover letter, a corporate website presents a professionally-curated image. You will find awards, carefully-worded brand messaging, feedback from happy customers, and other strategically-developed materials. That is not a negative thing, but it helps to understand why you shouldn't check off the “research” box after this step is completed.

If you are interviewing at a public company, find and read its most recent 10K Annual Report (you will find it under the “Investor” section on the company website, as well as on the  SEC website ). Annual reports may not sound like exciting reading, but they can deliver valuable information about the company's strategy, competitors, performance, risks associated with the business, and much more. Those who are short on time (or who find that reading the entire report cover to cover puts them to sleep) should focus their attention on management discussion and market segment sections.  

If you are interviewing at a startup,  Crunchbase will provide similar information about funding rounds, recent hires, company news, etc.

Next, look at social media

Most companies these days have a social media presence.  LinkedIn should be your first stop . Look up the company profile, as well as the profiles of key executives. You may also want to look for the head of the department you would be reporting to, as well as the person you will be interviewing with. If the corporate or individual pages include links to published articles, you can get a glimpse into “hot button” issues for the company. Take note, as these make excellent ideas for interview questions.

Other social media websites, including Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and messaging sites like Telegram , may offer different angles on the company and the people who work there. What do they choose to post about? How do they interact with customers? Do you see incessant advertising? Is the content reflective of thought leadership? Be sure to take notes so that you can easily refresh your memory prior to the interview.  

Run an internet search

A quick online search will produce a list of press releases, articles that mention the company, interviews with executives, and much more. If you are interested in a specific company and have some lead time before the interview, you may consider creating a news alert for the company name, as well as the names of key executives. When new materials that meet your search criteria are published, you will automatically get an email with the link.

Check company reviews online

Glassdoor.com has both positive and negative feedback from current and past employees for thousands of companies. Think of it as a virtual water cooler and gossip room. Reading Glassdoor reviews and comments can be insightful, entertaining, and thought-provoking. On that note, remember that Glassdoor allows its contributors to remain anonymous. Most users are honest, but virtually everything you read on Glassdoor is self-reported, subjective, and hard to verify. Look for patterns without focusing on any one experience and maintain a measure of professional skepticism no matter what you read.

On that note, you may get more reliable feedback by reaching out to the company's vendors and customers. This may not apply in every industry, but if you are able to connect with real people who interact with the company you are interested in, you can get a valuable look behind the curtain.

Don't neglect human research

Social media and internet research will only get you so far. Successful candidates find that LinkedIn and other virtual connections are most powerful when used as a stepping stone to real conversations. Look for professionals who have worked in the company and are open to speaking with you. Come prepared with questions, use their time wisely, and remember to send a thank-you note after the conversation — no matter how brief.

Your checklist for acing the pre-interview research

As you plan your deep-dive into the company website, LinkedIn, and other sites, remember that this research phase of the job-search process isn't just a fact-collecting assignment. Research should solidify your decision to pursue the opportunity — or give you warning that this position isn't right for you.

Look for patterns in everything. Based on the track record of individuals in leadership positions, what skills and experiences do the company value? What can you deduce about its culture? In a perfect world, the research you do should fuel your excitement about the company and energize you for the interview!

You've done your research, now make sure you can answer the questions. Learn more about our interview-coaching services .

Recommended Reading:

Interview Deal-Breakers That Could Cost You the Job

How to Prepare for a Software Engineering Job Interview

Struggling with Interview Anxiety? Here's How to Overcome It

Related Articles:

Snowplow Parents Interview Tips to Set Children Up for Success

The 8 Best Questions to Ask in an Informational Interview

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Researching companies: How to research a company for an interview

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So, you’ve secured your interviews and you’re now at the stage of researching companies.

There’s no great secret to performing well in a job interview – it relies heavily on employer research strategies, preparation, and good interview techniques.

Prepare your answers for some of the most common graduate job interview questions with our interview questions guide .

This will help you know how to effectively prepare for an interview and what to research for an interview!

In order to succeed in a job interview, researching the employer is just as important.

Check out our top tips for how to research a company for an interview, how to research a company online and how to research a role so you can successfully impress an employer with your answers.

The importance of company research for interviews

Researching companies before an interview can hugely benefit you to ace it when the time comes.

Interviews can be stressful and worrying, but researching companies before interviews is a great way to help you feel more prepared and confident in your answers.

By doing this, you will be prepared in the right head space for your upcoming interviews.

It will also show that you understand the company, and that you are enthusiastic about the role.

Completing company research for interviews and finding out their missions and company culture will also allow you to quickly see if it’s the right place for you.

When interviewing, it’s important to choose companies that genuinely interest and excite you.

Don’t accept a position with an employer whose values do not match your own.

This could lead to you leaving a company prematurely, so your research is crucial to working for a company that suits you.

What to research before an interview?

Wondering how to research companies for interviews before applying for a role? Do you know what to research about a company for an interview?

Here are some of the key factors to find out from your research:

• What the company does and the industry they operate in
• Where it is located
• The approximate team size
• The company’s history, major successes and defining moments
• The company’s customers/clients or target audience
• The industry the company operates in
• Products or services that the company has recently launched
• The company’s mission, aims, objectives or goals

Now you know exactly what to research before an interview, here’s how to research a company for a job interview:

How to research companies for interviews

1. visit the company website.

Your first step should be to look online as it is easier than ever to research employers.

Find out what the company does whether it’s a product or service, history, successes, news, and information about the team – try the home page, ‘ About Us ’ and ‘ Meet The Team ’ pages of the employer’s website.

Look out for the company’s mission statement here too!

Take note of recurring messages, themes or values that appear across the site.

Perhaps there is a clear focus on company culture, or lots of information on ethical policy.

These things will help to shape your understanding of the organisation and what they look for in an employee.

Have a deep dive into information about a company, including any previous company names or the CEO and Director’s names, you could also use Companies House to conduct a bit of research.

It’s then important to make a note about what interests you in particular about this company.

Are they a new start-up? Do they operate in a sector that you’re really passionate about? Is the company culture attractive to you?

Keep these factors in mind ready to discuss them in your graduate job interview.

These are some of the best ways to research a company before an interview.

2. Find the company on social media

The majority of companies are present on social media.

A Twitter , Facebook , LinkedIn , Y ouTube or Instagram feed can give you great insight into what a company is like, as well as some of its key players.

You will find the company’s clients on LinkedIn and their company culture on Instagram.

Give the company a “like” or “follow” to stay up-to-date on the latest news, and to see what they are posting.

Mentioning in your interview you’ve seen their latest news from following them on their social media shows great initiative and can really impress an employer.

If you know the interviewers, search their names on LinkedIn to check their profiles for information on their role, background and interests.

You can use this information to create conversation and discuss any common interests to establish rapport showing proactivity!

Update your LinkedIn profile before you begin following others who you want to impress.

Check out our blog for 10 tips for creating a good LinkedIn profile.

3. Check out company review websites

Sites like Glassdoor, The Job Crowd and Crunchbase feature company profiles and reviews from previous employees and useful information like the number of employees at a company.

Looking at what candidates in similar graduate roles were asked in their interview will help you to prepare your answers.

Reviews can also give you further insight into company culture and what to expect from their leadership.

Search for successes and defining moments (i.e. did the company recently receive a large amount of funding?) – which, if mentioned in your interview, will be highly impressive to the employer.

4. Read the news

Staying up to date on the company’s newest products or latest industry trends will be a great conversation starter and prepare you for your graduate job interview!

Google and Google News can be a great place to access any news.

Completing a quick search will likely present you with information that may not appear on the company’s own website or social media profiles.

If you know that you can find news on the company in a specific location i.e. the Financial Times , TechUK or FinTech Weekly , make sure you’re up to scratch so that you won’t be caught out if anything is mentioned in the job interview.

5. Check out their competitors

As well as researching companies for interviews, carry out competitor research as this helps you get up to speed on current industry trends

You will have a better understanding of the company’s niche and what makes its product or service unique.

By learning how to research an employer before a job interview, you’ll be able to use it to your advantage – to help you stand out from candidates in your graduate job interview.

How to bring your research into an interview?

How to research for a job interview is important, equally you want to ensure all your research is going to make an impact by knowing how to implement it to your graduate interview questions.

Add in the relevant facts you know from your company research before interviews.

Expect questions such as:

• What do you know about our company?
• Why do you want to work for us?
• What do you think are our biggest challenges this year?
• Why does this industry interest you?

You can also bring in your research by asking the interviewer questions, such as

“I understand you’re currently working on x project, how is this going and will my role play a part in this?” or “I know you’ve recently gained X client, what kind of work will you be doing for them?”.

Visit our blog for more top interview questions to ask the employer and how to answer the ‘do you have any questions for me?’ interview question.

How to research a role?

It’s important to know how to research for an interview and the role you’re interviewing for.

Researching the role will allow you to have a better understanding of what employers are looking for specifically and what to highlight in your interview answers to impress an employer.

If you’re wondering how to impress interviewers and what things to say in an interview, here’s our helpful guide:

Read the job description carefully

Read over the job description thoroughly as this is where the key requirements, skills, and tasks required will be.

Highlight any of the most important skills employers are looking for, and bring these into your interview answers.

If you’re asked questions like “what is your understanding of the role?” you can easily comment on the day-to-day tasks of the role and what skills you’ll need to demonstrate.

Check out our blog for more tips on decrypting the job description and finding out what employers are really asking for.

Read over your CV

Read over your CV before the interview and match up how your education, experience and skills fit the requirements of the job and key skills.

When you’re asked “why do you think you’d be a great fit for the role?”, you can easily and confidently state how your previous skills and experience match X skill/requirement of the job description.

Visit other employee’s LinkedIn profiles

Larger companies are likely to have employees in the same or similar roles as the one you are applying for.

See what recent projects they are working on and what tasks they have completed by visiting their profiles.

It will help you get a sense of what the role entails and what you might be working on.

Before you go to interview for graduate jobs, it’s important to thoroughly research the company as there are many benefits of researching a company before an interview!

You will feel confident, prepared and ready to show the employer that you’re committed to the role, and knowledgeable about their business.

Find more career advice on our careers advice blog – or check out the latest graduate roles !

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Good questions to ask in an interview for candidates and employers

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your career journey, proper preparation and having a set of good questions to ask in an interview can significantly impact your success.

And the same goes for employers and HR professionals. It doesn’t matter if you’re hiring for the first time or have some experience on the topic, finding the perfect match can be tricky.

In this article, we’ll explore how to get ready for your interview and share some of the best questions you can ask as a job seeker or an employer. Let’s dive in!

Preparing for an interview

Before we dive into the art of asking good questions in an interview, let’s first discuss how to prepare effectively.

Preparing for an interview as a job seeker

Many of us get anxious about job interviews, especially those who have participated in only a few selection processes – but you’ll be surprised to see that even people with no experience can nail in a job interview !

According to the American Staffing Association (ASA) , 69% of Americans think that researching the company is important for preparing for a job interview . In that sense, you’d have to learn about the company’s history, mission, values, and recent developments.

It would be best if you also had an answer to common interview questions . While you can’t predict every question you’ll be asked, it can help you feel more confident and articulate during the interview.

Finally, don’t forget to prepare a list of questions to ask your interviewer . Thoughtful questions not only demonstrate your interest in the role and company but also help you gather valuable information to make an informed decision about whether the job is the right fit for you.

Preparing for an interview as an employer

Interviews are not just about evaluating candidates; they’re also an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations that can uncover valuable insights about potential team members .

However, interviewing without a structured plan can lead to inefficiencies and missed opportunities to assess whether a candidate is the right fit for your team and organization.

Before you pick up the phone, join a call, or start a face-to-face meeting with a candidate, here’s what you should consider preparing beforehand:

• Job Description and Requirements: Start by revisiting the job description and requirements for the position you’re hiring for.
• Check the candidate’s CV before the interview : Take this opportunity to review their answers to your screening questions as well.
• Interview Agenda: Develop a structured interview agenda outlining the topics you want to cover during the conversation and the questions you’ll ask during the interview.
• Key Competencies and Criteria: This could include technical skills, soft skills, cultural fit, leadership potential, and alignment with company values. Having a clear understanding of these criteria will help you assess candidates consistently and effectively.
• Get a notebook, tablet, or paper where you can take notes and record your impressions.

Good Questions to Ask in an Interview if You Are a Job Seeker

When seeking a job, asking good questions in an interview is crucial.

So, what are some good questions to ask in an interview? Let’s delve into a few essential areas and a list of questions that will help you land the job!

Company-Related Questions to Ask in an Interview

Asking the right questions can help you assess whether the company is the right fit for you and demonstrate your interest and enthusiasm for the role.

Research-Based Questions

Demonstrate your knowledge of the company and its industry by asking insightful questions based on your research.

• I noticed that your company recently received recognition for innovation in [industry]. Can you share more about how innovation is encouraged and supported within the organization?
• I read about the company’s recent expansion into [market/sector]. How do you see this expansion impacting the company’s future growth strategy?

Culture Fit Questions

As per TeamStage findings, merely 14% of managers express confidence in their team’s grasp of the company’s strategy, goals, and direction. As a candidate, it’s crucial to demonstrate to the recruiter that you have a comprehensive understanding and care for the company’s vision, objectives, and trajectory. Here are some questions to do so:

• Can you describe the company culture and what sets it apart from other organizations?
• How does the company foster collaboration and teamwork among employees?
• Can you provide examples of recent initiatives or projects that align with the company’s strategic objectives?
• Can you outline the company’s long-term vision and goals for growth and expansion?

Role-Specific Questions to Ask in an Interview

As a job seeker, tailoring your questions to the specific role you’re applying for can demonstrate your understanding of the position and your knowledge about a specific area. Here are two key areas to focus on:

Deepen your understanding of the Job Description by Asking Questions

Job descriptions can sometimes be vague or leave room for interpretation. Asking clarification questions during the interview not only shows your attention to detail but also helps ensure that you have a clear understanding of the role’s responsibilities and expectations .

On the other hand, it’s a good way to show you have the perfect skill set to get hired!

• Could you provide more insight into the day-to-day tasks involved in this role?
• I noticed that the job description mentions ‘project management skills.’ Could you elaborate on what specific projects I would be managing in this position?

Team Dynamics Questions

According to Zippia, about 75% of employees rate teamwork and collaboration as being very important .

Asking team dynamics questions can help you gauge the company’s culture and your potential fit within the team. These are some suggestions:

• Can you tell me more about the team I’ll be working with and their roles within the organization?
• How does the team typically collaborate on projects, and what role does communication play in ensuring project success?

Personal Growth and Development

n order to assess if you’ll be able to develop a career within the company, take a look at the following topics:

Questions to Discover Learning Opportunities in a Company

Employers often provide diverse learning avenues, from formal training programs to on-the-job experiences. But what opportunities are on the table? How will the company provide you with opportunities to grow? Here’s how to get these questions answered:

• Can you provide insights into the company’s approach to employee development and learning initiatives?
• How does the company encourage employees to pursue continuous learning and development?

Feedback and Evaluation

Receiving feedback from your employer offers a valuable opportunity to gain insights into their priorities and expectations , as well as how you can contribute effectively. But how are these evaluations shared? Discover it using the following questions to ask in an interview:

• Can you describe the company’s approach to providing feedback and performance evaluations for employees?
• What is expected from the person who is going on the role?
• How does the company foster open communication and dialogue between employees and managers regarding performance feedback?

How many questions to ask in an interview as a job seeker?

Try not to ask more than five questions . More than that, it can feel too rehearsed and run over the time reserved for the interview.

Always remember: the main goal of asking questions for your interviewer is to understand the job role better, get to know the opportunities the company has to offer, and show your interest and that you are ready for work !

During the interview, you’ll see that some of the questions we mentioned earlier have already been covered. So be wise when selecting the questions you’ll ask.

Also, pay attention to every single topic raised during the interview. Sometimes, you can pivot the conversation towards a topic you want to cover, without asking questions.

What are the best questions to you ask in an interview?

There’s no definitive answer to this question. When selecting questions to ask, it’s important to approach them strategically. Before the interview:

• Review the job description and make note of any unclear points .
• Avoid asking about topics you could research online.
• Draw upon past experiences to formulate relevant questions: consider what information would have been helpful in your previous roles .

Now, let’s delve into the essential questions every employer should pose during an interview. If you’re a job seeker, read on to prepare for addressing these questions!

Good Questions to Ask in an Interview if You Are an Employer

When interviewing candidates, you’ll want to make sure their skills are aligned with your company’s needs, values and cultur e. You also need to evaluate if you’re going to be able to create a trustful relationship with them to delegate tasks and be sure your business is in good hands .

Let’s explore effective questions to ask during interviews to ensure that you’re selecting the best candidates.

Assessing Employee Fit

Assessing fit goes beyond evaluating technical skills; it’s about finding candidates who will thrive in your organization’s environment and contribute positively to your team . Here, we’ll discuss two key areas to focus on: behavioral questions and inquiries about candidates’ motivation and values.

Best Behavioral Questions to Get to Know Your Candidate

Behavioral questions are designed to elicit specific examples from candidates’ past experiences, providing insights into their skills, decision-making abilities, and work ethic. Here are some effective behavioral questions to help you get to know your candidates better:

• Can you tell me about a time when you faced a challenging situation at work and how you handled it?
• Describe a successful project you led. What challenges did you encounter, and how did you overcome them?
• Tell me about a time when you had to work collaboratively with a team to achieve a common goal. What was your role, and how did you contribute to the team’s success?

Questions to Understand Candidates’ Motivation and Values

Understanding candidates’ motivation and values is essential for assessing their alignment with your company culture and long-term goals. Here are some questions to help you gauge candidates’ motivations and values:

• What attracted you to our company and this particular role?
• Can you describe your ideal work environment and company culture?
• What motivates you to excel in your work, and how do you stay motivated during challenging times?
• Tell me about a time when you had to make a difficult decision that conflicted with your values. How did you handle it?

Skills and Experience-Related Questions

As an interviewer, you’ll need to understand the technical and soft skills of your future employees and how they acquired them during past work experiences .

But before deciding which questions to ask, you’ll need to be certain of the experience level you’re looking for . For example, let’s say you’re a retail store owner who needs to hire a cashier . You’ll probably want someone who is comfortable with numbers and has at least 6 months of experience in the same position, whereas if you’re hiring a shop assistant , past experiences might not be so crucial.

And one more thing: be wise when selecting the questions. Take a look at the candidate’s resume, analyze their experiences, and the duration of their collaborations with other companies, and be specific. This approach allows you to assess their abilities and catch potential lies or exaggerations.

Good Questions to Know Candidate’s Technical Proficiency

Technical proficiency is crucial for success in many roles. Here, we explore questions that help evaluate candidates’ expertise in key areas:

• Can you give examples of your experience using [specific equipment]?
• Could you describe a task or project where you applied [specific skill or technique]? What was your role, and what was the result?

Assessing Problem-Solving Capabilities during a Job Interview

Let’s face it: dealing with workplace challenges is part of every job – especially for roles that involve interacting with the public or customers directly. That’s why candidates must have strong ‘people skills’ and a proactive problem-solving mindset.

These are good questions to ask in an interview to understand how a candidate handles unexpected situations:

• Can you describe a challenging situation you encountered at work and how you resolved it?
• Describe a time when you had to handle a dissatisfied customer. How did you approach the situation, and what steps did you take to resolve their concerns?
• How do you approach solving complex problems, and can you provide an example of a successful outcome?

Questions to Assess Candidates’ Growth Potential

If you’re a small business owner, delegating operational tasks and responsibilities is crucial to allow you to focus on the growth and expansion of your business. However, when hiring employees, it’s essential to evaluate your needs for the short, medium, and long term.

Are you seeking individuals for short-term collaborations with your company, or are you in need of employees interested in long-term positions? Clarifying this will assist in crafting good questions to ask in an interview to assess candidates’ growth potential effectively.

Questions for Discovering Your Candidate’s Motivations

You can go ahead and ask directly if the candidate is looking for a long-term job. However, by asking the following questions, you’ll have the opportunity to get to know the person on a deeper level, understanding their aspirations and what is important for them in the workplace.

• Where do you see yourself in [X] years?
• How do you envision your career progressing within our company?

Adaptability and Learning

We live in an ever-changing world, where adaptability is essential for every business to survive. According to a Forbes article, ‘ surviving in a competitive, complex environment requires the willingness and ability to learn from the difficult and often humbling experience of navigating off-seasons and cyclical slumps’.

Therefore, hiring employees who demonstrate adaptability in their skill set might help you solve future problems. Here are some questions to measure your candidates’ adaptation capabilities:

• Can you describe a time when you had to adapt to a significant change in your work environment? How did you approach it, and what was the result?

Ready for the interview? Have you selected the best candidates? Don’t fret! We can help you. Post a job and get applications for free.

Are you a job seeker? Are you finding success in your job hunting? At Job Today, we make it easy: check out the available jobs near you .

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How to prepare for an interview at a biotech company

When it comes to getting your dream job in biotech , it is vital that you understand the interview process because, at the end of the day, this is the part that will ultimately secure the role for you. This means that it is important to prepare for the interview in advance so that you know exactly what to expect and do not get hit with any surprises. 

For this article, Labiotech spoke to two experts – Janet Qi, chief executive officer (CEO) of PurMinds NeuroPharma, and Kate Aiken, chief people officer at Arcellx – to figure out how candidates can best prepare themselves for an interview at a biotech company. 

Table of contents

What do biotech companies look for in successful candidates.

According to a blog by Catalyst Life Sciences that lays out strategies for biotech recruitment, biotech professionals should ultimately have a unique combination of technical skills, soft skills, and potential for growth to excel in the field.

When we asked Aiken what she believes biotech companies generally look for in successful candidates, she replied: “At Arcellx, successful candidates must be able to demonstrate to us that they have driven exceptional results in prior roles, they know what behaviors lead to trusting working relationships and successful collaborations, they thrive in environments with high autonomy and freedom, and they are always looking to learn and grow.” 

Qi, meanwhile, said that, at PurMinds, they value innovation, collaboration, and a passion for improving patients’ lives. “We seek individuals who can contribute to our mission of developing novel neurotherapeutics and bringing them to market.”

It is true that passion will go a long way towards securing a job in biotech. According to PharmiWeb.jobs (a job site for the life sciences sector), biotech recruiters will look for signs that indicate candidates are motivated to contribute to scientific advancements, improve healthcare, or make a positive impact on society. This is because passionate candidates tend to be more dedicated, proactive, and likely to stay engaged in their work. Therefore, being passionate about the role you are applying for is an important factor, and this will usually come across in the interview. 

Nevertheless, there is plenty you can do to prepare yourself for the interview in order to become the perfect candidate with the ability to impress the hiring manager.

Top tips on how to prepare for an interview at a biotech company

While the comments above provide a general sense of what biotech companies are looking for in a candidate, below we have provided more specific pointers on what you can actually do to prepare yourself as best as possible for an interview at a biotech company. 

Research the company and understand its pipeline

Before your interview, one of your first steps should be to research the company you are applying to work for. By doing so, you can learn more about the company’s expectations and preferences for its employees, plus the interviewer may also ask you questions to make sure you have an understanding of the company’s science and pipeline. 

“Before your interview, make sure you have a thorough understanding of the company’s research focus, pipeline products, and any recent scientific advancements they’ve made,” commented Qi. “For PurMinds NeuroPharma, candidates should be familiar with our programs like PUR101, PUR501, and PUR400, understanding both the scientific basis and the therapeutic potential.”

Meanwhile, Aiken said that it is also important to read up not only on the company’s science, but also on the state and stage of the business and financing, the leadership, and the culture. “What shape is it in financially? What’s next in their pipeline? Research the people you will interview with on LinkedIn and know a bit about who they are and what they do. I’m always surprised when a candidate uses one of their precious questions to ask me to describe my role, because if you look me up on LinkedIn, it’s pretty well spelled out.”

Ultimately, your research will allow you to give responses that show you have invested time into learning about its mission and values. 

Demonstrate relevant skills and experience 

Of course, as with any job interview, you will need to be able to demonstrate that you have the necessary skills and experience to take on the job. “Be prepared to share examples of when you produced exceptional results in prior roles and how you collaborated with others and worked through tough situations,” said Aiken. 

“ Tailor your resume and prepare examples that showcase your experience in areas critical to the role you’re applying for, whether it’s R&D, clinical trials, or regulatory affairs,” commented Qi. As an example, she said that if you were to apply for clinical roles at PurMinds, you would need to highlight any specific expertise in neurological disorders or experience with regulatory bodies.

Qi mentioned that you should also be ready to discuss past scenarios where you identified problems, proposed solutions, and implemented changes, especially in a scientific or technical context. She said that this demonstrates critical thinking and adaptability, which are key traits for success in biotech roles.

And, perhaps one of the most important things to remember here, according to Qi, is that you want to be willing to admit that you do not know everything and that there is still a lot you need to learn. “You want to show that you are humble, and you are willing to learn. The last thing you want is to appear to be “knowing it all”, leaving an impression to your interviewer that you have a big ego. You don’t know what you don’t know, so being humble is important.” 

It is also worth noting that experience is not everything, so, if you are still at the beginning of your biotech career , do not be disheartened. Some companies are looking for talent, commitment, and hard work over experience, as long as you have the right qualifications. According to Aiken, this is the case at Arcellx: “At Arcellx, we hire for talent, and that trumps experience. Of course, you need to meet the requirements for the role. But, if you can demonstrate that you are an A+ player with the learning agility, the attitude, and the aptitude to add to our culture and grow with our business, that will give you the winning edge.”

Be prepared to discuss industry trends

In order to prepare for your interview, it is important to stay up to date with the biotech industry and follow any new developments that are taking place, as it is possible that you will be asked about current trends and techniques within the industry. 

“Biotech is a rapidly evolving field,” said Qi. “Show that you’re informed about current trends and challenges, such as the integration of new technologies in drug development or shifts in regulatory landscapes, especially concerning psychedelic and neuro-medicine sectors.”

Ask insightful questions

Touching on Aiken’s previous point about being surprised when candidates use one of their questions at the end of the interview to ask her about her role at the company despite the fact they could have easily looked it up beforehand, it is important to prepare a list of insightful questions that will impress the interviewer. “…if I don’t have to answer a basic question like that, then we have time to get into more interesting questions about culture and leadership at Arcellx,” commented Aiken. 

Therefore, make sure that the list of questions you prepare shows your interest in the company, for example by asking about their career growth opportunities, expectations for the first 90 days in the role, or current goals for the team. 

Variations in the interview process depending on the job role

Naturally, there will be variations in the interview process depending on what job you have applied for. Although the list of tips above can help you prepare for an interview at a biotech company in a more general sense, Qi provided Labiotech with some pointers on what to expect in interviews for specific job roles, as listed below.

Research and Development (R&D)

According to Qi, interviews for R&D positions often involve technical assessments or problem-solving sessions to evaluate the candidate’s expertise in specific scientific areas relevant to the company’s focus. She said that candidates might be asked to discuss their research experience, how they approach experimental design, or troubleshoot hypothetical scenarios.

Clinical Trials and Regulatory Affairs

For clinical trials and regulatory affairs jobs, Qi said: “Applicants for these roles may undergo competency-based interviews focusing on regulatory compliance, ethical considerations, and their ability to manage complex projects. Understanding of global regulatory frameworks, especially Health Canada, FDA, or TGA, would be crucial.”

Business Development and Strategic Management

Meanwhile, business development and strategic management roles might include discussions on market analysis, negotiation skills, and strategic planning. “Candidates could be asked to present case studies or past experiences where they contributed to business growth or managed partnerships,” said Qi.

Technical and Manufacturing Positions

For roles focused on drug production or technical operations, Qi explained that interviews could involve practical assessments of technical skills, understanding of manufacturing processes, or compliance with safety and quality standards.

What not to do: things to avoid during the interview process

Now, you know how to best prepare yourself for an interview at a biotech company. But it might also be beneficial to know what things to avoid doing during the interview. 

We asked Aiken if there is anything that a candidate does in an interview that would instantly put her off hiring them. She responded: “If you answer my questions with what you think I want to hear, or if you give generic answers to my probing questions, I am not going to be impressed. I am looking for candidates who are frank and thoughtful and authentic, because that is a great indicator of someone who will be successful in our culture. If I ask you to tell me something that you know you need to improve upon, don’t say, ‘I need to learn how to stop taking on so much work,’ or ‘I need to be less of a perfectionist.’”

Instead, she said it is better to share something that is a real vulnerability. 

So, once you have done your preparation and are confident about the process, the best thing to do is just go into the interview and be yourself, making sure you answer every question as truthfully as possible.

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5 tips to keep in mind before attending an interview

I nterviews can be nerve-wracking experiences, but they're also opportunities to showcase your skills, experience, and fit for a role. Preparing yourself for an interview involves thorough groundwork and self-assessment. Begin by researching the company, understanding its culture, values, and recent achievements. Then, delve into your own experiences, ensuring a solid grasp of your resume and how your skills align with the role. Anticipate common interview questions and practice articulating your responses confidently. 

Here are five essential tips to keep in mind before stepping into your next interview, ensuring you are poised, prepared, and ready to impress, shared by Dr Ravinder Goyal, Co-Founder, Erekrut HR Automation Solutions Pvt Ltd.

1. RESEARCH THE COMPANY AND ROLE 

 Before the interview, invest time in understanding the company's mission, culture, and the specifics of the role you're applying for. This knowledge not only helps you tailor your responses to align with the company's values but also demonstrates your genuine interest in the position. Review their website, recent news articles, and their social media presence to get a well-rounded view.

2. PRACTICE YOUR RESPONSES TO COMMON INTERVIEW QUESTIONS 

While every interview is unique, certain questions are almost universal. "Tell me about yourself," "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" and "Why do you want to work here?" are just a few examples. Practice your responses out loud, focusing on clarity, conciseness, and relevance. This practice will help you articulate your thoughts more confidently during the actual interview.

3. DRESS APPROPRIATELY 

First impressions matter, and how you dress is a significant part of that impression. Research the company culture to gauge the appropriate dress code for the interview. When in doubt, err on the side of being slightly more formal than the company's everyday attire. Dressing well shows respect for the interviewer and demonstrates your seriousness about the role.

4. PREPARE QUESTIONS TO ASK THE INTERVIEWER 

An interview is a two-way street. Preparing thoughtful questions to ask your interviewer shows your interest in the role and helps you assess if the company is a good fit for you. Enquire about the team you'll be working with, the challenges and opportunities the role entails, and the company's plans.

5. PLAN YOUR ROUTE AND ARRIVE EARLY 

 Nothing adds stress to an interview day like the fear of being late. Plan your route to the interview location, considering any potential delays. Aim to arrive 10–15 minutes early. This buffer allows you to calm any last-minute nerves and demonstrates your punctuality and respect for the interviewer's time.

An interview is more than just a hurdle to employment; it's an opportunity to advance your career and find a role that's truly a good fit for you. By researching the company and role, practising your responses, dressing appropriately, preparing thoughtful questions, and planning your arrival, you can approach your interview with confidence and poise. Remember, preparation is the key to success in any interview scenario.

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Money blog: Santander launches £175 switching offer; Burberry suffers massive profits fall

Taylor Swift is coming to the UK - and bringing her massive economic influence with her. Read this and all the latest consumer and personal finance news in the Money blog - and leave a comment or your money problem in the box below.

Wednesday 15 May 2024 15:30, UK

• Burberry suffers massive profits fall as figures 'leave a lot to be desired'
• Santander launches £175 switching offer
• Vinted forced to apologise to sellers for payment issues
• Taylor Swift to bring nearly £1bn boost to economy
• UK economy in safe hands 'whoever wins' election, top bank chief tells Sky News

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• Basically...  What is PIP - and what could government changes mean?
• How to make sure your car passes its MOT
• Cheap Eats:  Michelin-star chef reveals his top steals in London - including an unbeatable sub sandwich
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• Best of the Money blog - an archive

Ask a question or make a comment

New York has topped the list when it comes to the world's wealthiest cities, with 349,500 millionaires and 60 billionaires. 

In its latest report,  Henley & Partners  found the Big Apple's millionaire population has surged by 48% in the past decade.

And San Francisco came in second place, with 305,700 millionaires and 68 billionaires.

Meanwhile, Tokyo has seen its millionaire population declining by 5% to 298,300 people.

Joe Biden has confirmed he is going to raise the special tariff on electric vehicles coming from China. 

The standard US tariff (the amount you have to pay to get goods into a given country) on cars used to stand at 2.5% but then Donald Trump levied an extra 25% tariff on China in 2018. 

Now, Mr Biden has gone further and is quadrupling the tariff to 102.5%.

Why is the US doing this?

Our economics and date editor Ed Conway  describes the latest move as "one of the biggest issues in economics right now".

He says the move "is partly because the US is worried about competition from China".

China in the past few years has become dominant when it comes to electric cars and their manufacture of the components that go into the vehicles.

But they are not dominant when it comes to electric car imports into the US.

"The US is trying to increase its share but it is going to be difficult," Conway says

"It's only the beginning of a very big saga here and the next question is what about the EU and UK?"

Will it have an impact?

Conway says the new electric vehicle rate "won't affect many goods at all" because the "vast majority of Chinese electric vehicles are going not to America but to Europe and elsewhere", including the UK.

"We're buying loads," he says.

You can watch Conway's analysis here...

Santander has become the latest bank to offer a £175 switching offer on their current accounts, joining First Direct, which relaunched its incentive this month.

The Santander switch is open to both new and existing Santander customers and those eligible will get the payment within 90 days of starting the switch process.

To qualify you must:

• Complete the full switch within 60 days of requesting the switch process;
• Pay in at least £1,500 within 60 days of requesting the switch;
• Set up two active direct debits within 60 days;
• Continue to hold the qualifying current account on the day the payment is made.

New customers can switch to a current account online through the Santander website or in branch. 

But existing Santander customers must visit a branch to take advantage of this offer .

To qualify for the First Direct incentive you must: 

• Go through the full Current Account Switch Service (Cass) process;
• Transfer a £1,000 balance into the account;
• Switch at least two regular payments;
• Use their debit card at least five times within 30 days of the account opening.

 The chairman and chief executive of JPMorgan has told Sky News he is confident the UK economy will be in safe hands "whoever wins" the election.

Jamie Dimon told Sky's Wilfred Frost that he had met with both Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer and liked that they were both "pro-business".

"Growing the economy is a good thing, and that should benefit everybody," he said.

"Everyone I heard in the Labour and Conservative government are talking about growing the economy, technology, research and development, simplifying regulations and making it easier for people to start and grow businesses.

"Those policies work."

Asked if he was confident the UK economy would be in safe hands no matter who won the election, he replied: "Yeah, I certainly hope so, and we would help whoever wins."

Mr Dimon also said the world "had been through a difficult and weird time".

On the UK specifically, he said: "It's a great country and partner and friend of America."

He said he was "optimistic" about the UK, and said the government should keep investing in "education, work skills and technology".

Here's Mr Dimon's interview in full:

By James Sillars , business news reporter 

A solid start to the day for the FTSE 100 despite one of its well known constituents posting a big drop in profits.

The index rose by 0.5% in early dealing to stand at 8,469.

Leading the gainers were industrial and mining stocks. 

Among the big names reporting its progress this morning was Burberry.

Its annual results to the end of March showed a 34% fall in operating profits as demand for luxury slowed in the second half.

The company's chief executive, who is in the process of taking the firm more upmarket, said he expected the current year to remain challenging but with a pick-up in sales weighted to the final six months.

Burberry, nevertheless, awarded a 61p per share dividend which was flat on the previous financial year.

Its shares were down by more than 3%.

Sophie Lund-Yates, lead equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said: "Burberry's latest figures leave a lot to be desired, amid slowing demand for luxury... Not only does this highlight the extent of consumer caution across the globe, it also puts a spotlight on some Burberry-specific issues. 

"Refreshing the store estate is all well and good, but only if those costs and charges can be recouped by selling the clothes they hold. While Burberry's brand repositioning has come a long way, it’s not yet sharp enough to slice through to the core of the even more resilient end of the luxury market."

She added: "Slowing trends are being seen across the board in the sector, so these weaker results aren't a total bolt from the blue. The question now will be how quickly demand picks up, and that of course is in the hands of the economy... Burberry faces challenges, but it remains a strong heritage brand, with a lot of the right strategic ideas."

Taylor Swift's Eras Tour has been predicted to provide a £997m boost to the UK economy. 

Fans are expected to fork out an average of £848 to see the star on one of her 15 tour dates. 

That's according to data from Barclays, which has added up the total spending of the Swifties lucky enough to get a ticket.

After tickets, fans will spend the most on accommodation at around £121, with other notable costs including £111 on travel and £56 on an outfit. 

Those visiting London, Liverpool, Edinburgh and Cardiff for the concert are expected to spend £79 each on official merchandise, as well as £59 on a pre-show meal. 

The average amount spent on an Eras Tour ticket is £206, yet for 14% of fans, including those who purchased VIP ticket packages with premium seating and exclusive merchandise, the total exceeds £400.

Dr Peter Brooks, chief behavioural scientist at Barclays, said fans of "cultural icons" like Swift have a "powerful" spending power. 

"Whoever came up with the phrase 'money can't buy happiness' clearly wasn't a Swiftie," he said. 

"When it comes to cultural icons like Taylor Swift - like we saw with Elvis and Beatlemania in the 50s and 60s - supporters have such a strong connection to the artist and to the rest of the fandom that the desire to spend becomes even more powerful.

"For non-fans, £848 may seem like an enormous amount to splash out on a concert - but for Eras Tour ticketholders, every pound they spend is an investment in the memories they'll create."

Every Wednesday we get Michelin chefs to pick their favourite Cheap Eats where they live and when they cook at home. This week we speak to Andy Beynon, chef patron of Behind in London - which was awarded a Michelin star after being open for just 20 days. 

Hi  Andy, c an you tell us your favourite places in London where you can get a meal for two for less than £40?

I love Lahore Kebab House in Whitechapel. It's family run and I've been going there for about 15 years. I used to go with my dad - we'd get a couple of lagers from the shop next door, then tuck into lamb chops, tarka daal, the Peshwari naan, which is always cooked fresh on the tandoor, and all the dips on the menu. 

You can't beat a "That Spicy D" from Dom's Subs . There's just something about that burnt chilli mayo and schiacciata piccante. It's my favourite lunch to have on the go, and totally worth the mess. 

Umut 2000 in Dalston is my go-to for a kebab fix. They also do this amazing chargrilled lamb mince on a bed of tomato sauce with yoghurt and clarified butter. So good.

What's your go-to cheap meal at home?

I don't cook at home often, but when I do it's usually a big pot of spicy daal. It's super easy to make and keeps well in the fridge or the freezer. My secret ingredient for making the perfect daal is condensed milk - simply add a spoonful at the end to balance all of the spice.

We've spoken to lots of top chefs and bloggers - check out their cheap eats from around the country here...

Vinted has apologised for a tech issue that has left its sellers facing long delays to withdraw their cash. 

Users have been complaining over the past few weeks about their balance not updating quickly enough after being told they had been paid... 

We reached out to platform about the issue - it said its payment service provider Mangopay was aware of the problem and was "in the process of resolving" affected cases. 

It said a "very small number" of Vinted members have experienced an issue with funds being received by banks after payouts had been initiated. 

"The large majority of payouts are successfully completed every day," it added. 

"Vinted is in constant contact with Mangopay to resolve any cases brought to our attention, however, there may be a further delay as a result, for which we apologise.

"Many cases have already been resolved and we are working as quickly as we can to help resolve the remaining cases." 

Mangopay processes and stores transactions made through Vinted and then pays the cash into users' bank accounts. 

It told us part of its legal obligations require it to verify users' identities for the payment process to be successful.

"Our team works to carry out this verification process as quickly as possible so that users can continue using their accounts as normal," it said. 

"Marketplaces and platforms often have complex payment needs and as a regulated financial institution, we take our compliance, due diligence processes and regulatory obligations very seriously." 

However, it added that from "time to time" the process can be delayed, which means it needs to withhold funds for a certain amount of time, or it "may experience issues with the payout process".

"We apologise for any delays in receiving payments caused as a result of this and are working with Vinted to resolve each case as quickly as possible," it added. 

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's Archewell Foundation has been labelled "delinquent" in the US for failing to submit annual records.

A letter was sent to the charity on 3 May by by California's Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, saying it has been "listed as delinquent" for "failing to submit required annual report(s) and/or renewal fees".

The letter said an organisation listed as delinquent is banned from "soliciting or disbursing charitable funds" and its registration may be "suspended or revoked".

It is understood that a physical cheque was sent by Archewell Foundation but not received, and a new one has been sent to resolve the issue.

It is believed the charity was only made aware of this when the delinquency notice was published.

Read more on this story below...

Shares of US video game retailer GameStop have soared again today, fuelled by the return of online influencer "Roaring Kitty" to social media.

Real name Keith Gill, the influencer's first online post caused shares to jump yesterday, with another surge reported today.

The retailer's shares rallied 132% in pre-market trading before falling back to about 80% up as US markets opened. 

Mr Gill shared a meme and more than 10 clips from movies including The Avengers and Tombstone. Though the posts didn't mention any company names, GameStop and US cinema chain AMC were the most-traded stocks by investors yesterday and today, according to data from JP Morgan.

He is credited with helping to fuel the "meme stock" craze during the COVID pandemic, which saw GameStop shares rise more than 1,000%. They later collapsed as interest faded.

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