When employers are asked what job candidates can do to shine in an interview, time after time, the response is to thoroughly research the company
and be able to talk knowledgeably about it. The best candidates will use the research they’ve done and be able to connect key aspects of the job to their own strengths. So to fully prepare for your next interview be certain to 1) know yourself 2) know the job and 3) know the company.
Know Yourself
What are your professional strengths?
What transferable skills do you have?
What are your key accomplishments that relate to this job?
What unique qualities, skills, and experiences set you apart?
Why do you want this job at this company?
Know the Job
What are the top skills required for this position?
What types of problems will you be expected to solve for the company in this role?
Know the Company
What is the main product or service?
Who are the company’s competitors?
How many locations?
What are the current challenges being faced by this company?
What is the company culture?
There’s no need to put your sleuthing skills to use to uncover the answers to these questions – with a few easy clicks, you can obtain all the information you need. Visit the company’s website, Google news, glassdoor.com, vault.com, and hoovers.com. If you have a connection with a past or current employee, use it to ask questions about their perceptions of the company. Social media has also provided a window into the culture of many companies: use Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook to your advantage by connecting with the company and gleaning as much information as possible.
Happy researching and have a great interview!