Why It Pays to do Pre-Interview Research on a Company

Surveys show that less than 10 percent of job applicants spend time researching the company they interview with. This is a major drawback for many applicants because HR personnel often ask direct questions that reveal whether you have spent time learning about the organization. If you have, you’re automatically a step ahead of the pack. If not, your lack of knowledge will detract from your responses.

Why do job coaches say it’s so crucial to spend at least an hour, preferably longer, doing basic online research about a company before sitting for an interview? Because looking at financial statements, annual reports, corporate websites, consumer product/service reviews and other resources will arm you with valuable data that aids in asking and answering questions. Here are the main ways research will increase your chance of being hired:

You Will Have a Ready Answer for a Very Common Question

One of the most frequent interview questions is, “Explain why you want to work here?”. Candidates who haven’t researched a company are often left with no stronger answer than, “Well, I’m looking for a job. You posted the opportunity, and I’d like to work here.” That’s not exactly making a positive impression. Compare it to a response informed by thorough research: “I was attracted by the fact that your company mission statement mentions the importance of becoming the top engineering firm in the city within a decade. Also, your flex-time policy for new hires would allow me to finish the master’s degree program I’m in.”

Research Gives You Insight into the Work Environment

You can learn a lot about a company’s culture by reading reviews where former and current employees speak about their experiences. Digging into third-party reviews, worker comments at job sites and recent news stories can reveal plenty. If the organization has a Facebook page, check that too and see what the social side of the job is. If there are all kinds of outings, after-work events and sports teams, that’s a sign that upper management is working hard to build a familial, friendly corporate culture.

Knowledge is Powerful Ammunition in Any Interview

For example, if you are highly knowledgeable about cyber security and AWS monitoring tools, you might work that information into an answer about how your skills match the company’s basic needs. There are actually endless ways to use company information during an interview. If nothing else, research gives you a solid background about the organization and will imbue all your replies with confidence.

Research Helps You Ask Better Questions

There comes a time in most interviews where you are given the chance to ask a question or two. This is another area where a lack of research will make you look uninformed. Some applicants let this chance pass them by and ask worthless questions like, “What are the company’s plans for the future?” Compare that question to an informed one like, “I know that ABC Corporation just finished a large construction project in Saudi Arabia. Because I speak a little bit of Arabic, I was wondering if the company plans to bid on more jobs in the Mideast.”