Job interviews aren’t meant to be an interrogation — they are supposed to be a dialogue. An interview is as much about making sure the company is a fit for you as it is that you are a fit for the company. With that in mind, before the interview, you should research the company — and the interviewer(s), if you know that information ahead of time.
At a minimum, conduct a Google search. Take a look at the company’s website. Look for the interviewer’s LinkedIn profile. While you’re on LinkedIn, see if the company has a profile on the site. Also check out the LinkedIn profiles of other key employees of the company.
How long have they been in their current jobs?
How long have they been with the company?
What was their background before they joined the company?
Did they come from competitors, or from other industries?
Your research will not only help you understand the company better, it will help you ask more informed questions in the interview.
If you haven’t asked questions as the interview progresses, there will likely come a time in the interview when the person conducting the interview says to you, “So, do you have any questions for me?” That’s where your research comes into play. Surely, as you were learning more about the job and the company, you were curious about a thing or two.
Even if you weren’t, it makes a huge (negative) impression on interviewers when you don’t ask any questions. That can either signal that you’re not interested enough in the job to muster up any questions — or that you didn’t know anything about the company coming into the interview, and you weren’t paying attention enough to latch onto any information shared in the interview. Both scenarios don’t bode will for your employment prospects.
If you’d like help preparing for your next interview, email or call me to schedule an interview preparation session or two. I work with clients who need a jumpstart and some ideas to get going as well as those who want a partner to work with them on each step of the process.
shawn mentor says
You are absolutely right laurie. I myself employed the same strategy when I was Looking for a new job.
I went for searching company’s linkedin profile, facebook profile, and also their website. This method really helped me to understand the company I am applying for. I also made sure that I have the sufficient knowledge of the position I am applying for. But It was not possible for me to know the name of Hr interviewing me.
Thanks for such a good post.
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