Job Search
Interview Tips: Do your research!
Apr 2, 2014
One of the biggest pet peeves of many employers is when candidates do not conduct thorough research on their company before an interview. As a recruiter, I make numerous phone calls on a daily basis to applicants in order to set them up with an interview. The number one question I receive is “Who is this, what do you do?” It is disheartening to hear this question because it makes me curious as an employer if you really want to work with our company. This blog will explore interview tips and how to gain a better knowledge of your potential employer.
One reason to research your potential employer before even applying is for your own benefit. It is important for one to align their goals and values with that of their company. Employees spend a great deal of time with their employer which makes it important for one to wake up in the morning wanting to go to work. With disagreeing culture and beliefs, it will be very difficult for one to have the appropriate attitude in the workplace to complete even daily, basis tasks efficiently and effectively. Corresponding your values with your employer’s will not only aide in your job satisfaction, it will also show your employer you are a great employee.
A second reason to conduct research on your potential employer is to blow your potential employer away in an interview. One of the most common questions asked by employers in an interview is “Why do you want to work for us?” The number of candidates who are unprepared for this question is shocking. Researching the company to find they are involved in the community, participating in events such Habitat for Humanity or the Ronald McDonald House fundraisers and proving you are active and interesting in events such as these will show your potential employer you are serious and committed the company without yet being employed.
To better comprehend your potential employer, conducting research is easy. The majority of employers have a website with an “About Us” section that often states the company mission statement along with company goals and other social responsibility information. Memorizing company goals is unnecessary, but briefly writing down notes to help prepare for your interview will impress the interviewer. This information will also help you create good, reasonable questions to ask your interviewer. With these tips on how and why to grasp a better understanding of your potential employer before an interview, you are bound to blow your interviewer away!
Read other tips to help you in your job search provided by our recruiters.
References: Who should you have on your side?
Interviewing: Make It or Break It
