Preparing for an interview is a lot of work, and it’s important to do your due diligence by reviewing the company you’re interviewing with. Researching employers before an interview helps with the following:
- Shows your interest in the role
- Helps you understand the culture
- Ensures you check job validity
- Allows you to prepare questions
Below, we’ve noted the top reasons to research employers before an interview.
You Show Interest in the Role
The hiring manager will focus on your verbal and nonverbal communication during an interview. Employers are less likely to hire candidates that appear uninterested during interviews.
So how can you appear interested? Before the interview, research the company’s mission, goals, and latest achievements. When asked why you applied for the position, bring these items up. You can take things further by stating how you relate to their vision or achievements.
You’ll Understand the Culture
While having a job is essential to maintaining a steady source of income, you should also enjoy where you work. This is a crucial reason to research employers before an interview. If the company culture is poor, you’ll feel less motivated to work. By researching the company, you can gain insight into its culture.
Start your research on the company’s website to review its core values. A few important ones to look for include collaboration, innovation, work-life balance, and transparency. Next, go onto Glassdoor to read current and past employee reviews. If people rave about these or additional aspects of the culture, it’s likely a great workplace. Avoid companies with many poor employee reviews, as this often signifies a toxic culture.
You Can Check Job Validity
Sadly, some job postings are scams that target vulnerable individuals searching for employment. Researching the company is one of the best ways to protect yourself from job search scams. Never provide financial or personal information before or during your interview, as these are common fraud tactics.
While researching before an interview is vital, you should also do a bit before applying. Most importantly, verify that the role listing appears on the company website and job-finding websites like Indeed. If you cannot find information about the company or it doesn’t align with the posting, avoid the job listing.
Pro Tip
When you doubt a job’s validity, contact the company hiring manager through LinkedIn. This gives you the most source of information.
You Can Prepare Questions
Although many of us think interviews are the time for the employer to ask all the questions, you can do the same. Preparing questions for the recruiter shows that you have an interest in the organization. Some great questions to ask during an interview include:
- What are the role expectations?
- What’s your favorite thing about working here?
- How closely do teams collaborate?
- Is there room for internal growth?
- How has the company changed over the years?
Asking questions demonstrates that you’ve researched the company and want to know more about it. Before your next interview, take some time to research the company to show that you understand what you’re getting into and how you could contribute to their environment.