Preparing for a job interview involves more than just picking out the right outfit and practicing your handshake. In today's competitive job market, conducting thorough research before your interview is the key to standing out and showcasing your genuine interest in the role and the company. Let's explore the essential steps to help you master the art of interview research and leave a lasting impression on your potential employers.
1. Dive Deep into the Company
Start your research by delving into the company itself. Explore its website to understand its mission, values, and culture. The ‘About Us’ and ‘Meet the Team’ pages will be particularly valuable for getting to know the company’s ethos and team. Take note of recent news, achievements, and any notable projects. Familiarising yourself with the company's history and core principles will enable you to align your responses with their values during the interview. If you see they support a certain charity or support the local community, bring it up in the interview! It’s a good way of showing you share values and you’ve done your research.
2. Explore the Socials
Most companies have a social media presence these days and across multiple platforms. Instagram and Facebook are good places to get to know what the company and team are up to in the day to day, where LinkedIn is a great way to find out about the company culture. Slipping into an interview that you saw the team at a certain event, or their latest company news is a great way of showing interest. This is also a good time to follow the accounts to show you’re keen too!
3. Keep Up with the News
Stay up to date with the relevant news to your industry and current trends so you can drop some into your interview to show you know your stuff. Check out industry sites, LinkedIn pages, the BBC News specific pages, or if in doubt, good old Google.
4. Investigate the Interview Format
It’s not just the company that you’ll want to be all caught up on, but the interview format itself. Find out from your point of contact how you’ll be interviewed, whether it's a panel interview, zoom call, or technical assessment. Knowing what to expect will help you tailor your preparation accordingly and not have any surprises or technical difficulties on the day.
5. Check Out the Competitors
Look beyond the company you’re interviewing for and see what others in the industry are doing. This will help you understand the company’s niche and what makes it stand out from the rest. You might even be able to see more examples of your own position and discover aspects of the job that you’re aiming to achieve, which will help your personal answers.
Mastering the art of interview research is the key to impressing potential employers and securing your dream job. By demonstrating your genuine interest in the company, industry, and role, you'll not only stand out from the competition but also ensure that the position is the right fit for your career goals. So, roll up your sleeves, dive into your research, and get ready to shine in your next interview!
