Imagine .... you have just landed a job interview at a company you admire. You’ve applied, received the call, and now it’s time to prepare. But wait – do you think just checking out the company’s website is enough to be knowledgeable before heading to your next interview? You might be surprised. If you really want to WOW that employer, you need to do much more than skim through a few pages online. Trust me, I’ve been there, and this kind of prep made all the difference when I landed some of my best roles.
So, what do you need to know before an interview? Here’s a checklist of 10 things you absolutely must research to leave a lasting impression.
1. The Company: More Than Just the Website
Knowing the company inside out is non-negotiable. Of course, check out their website, but go further. Read their latest press releases, follow their social media accounts, dive into company reviews on Glassdoor, and take note of any recent news articles. And if you know someone who works there – even better! Sometimes, the best insights come from people who are already part of the team.
I remember once I was asked, "What do you think about our website?" at an interview – I was applying for a Business Lecturer role, not a web design job! But it’s a perfect example of how interviewers may not directly ask, "What do you know about our company?", yet they’re still testing your knowledge. So, make sure you're clued up on every angle of the company. What to know before an interview? Everything!
2. The Position: Get the Full Picture
It’s easy to think that once you’ve read the job description, you’re set – but there’s more to consider. Is the position new or a maternity cover? What are the essential duties? Will you report to someone specific? Is travel involved? Understanding these details helps you assess whether this role truly aligns with your career goals, but also, it equips you with the right questions for the hiring manager. For example, once I was applying for a role where the job description wasn’t clear on whether I’d be working remotely, so I made sure to ask that question up front. It shows you're serious and thoughtful.
3. The Interviewer(s): Know Who You're Talking To
What to know before an interview? Your interviewer’s background! Nowadays, LinkedIn is a treasure trove of information. Find out about the interviewer’s career journey, education, and maybe even their interests. It helps build rapport, gives you common ground to discuss, and can set the tone for a friendly conversation. I once had an interviewer who had studied in the same city I had, and mentioning that little detail helped create an instant connection. People love talking about themselves, so show genuine curiosity about them too!
4. Other Team Members: Be Prepared for a Panel
If your interview is a panel, this is your chance to really shine. Knowing a bit about each team member makes you look prepared and confident. It’s easy to find information on social media about your potential future colleagues. Imagine the impact if you greet each person by name or ask them a thoughtful question about their role or interests – it makes you look engaged and personable. I was once at a panel interview where I noticed one of the members had recently completed a marathon, and I casually asked about it. It led to a brief but meaningful conversation that made the atmosphere so much warmer.
5. The Competitors: Show You’re Industry Savvy
Here’s where many candidates fall short. Researching the company’s competitors isn’t just for strategic consultants. It shows that you truly understand the industry landscape. When you talk about competitors, it demonstrates that you’ve done your homework and take the role seriously. I recall applying for a marketing role where I researched the company’s biggest rivals and brought up how they were positioning themselves differently. The hiring manager was impressed by how well I understood the industry dynamics.
6. The Corporate Culture: Is This Your Tribe?
What to know before an interview? The company culture! This can make or break your decision once you land the job. Explore their social media for photos, team activities, and employee stories that showcase the company’s values and vibe. Are they a fun, social team, or more formal and structured? I once applied for a recruitment consultancy role, and after checking out their Facebook page, I realised the team was mostly in their twenties. As a professional in my 40s (at that time), I quickly realised the role wasn’t the right fit for me – and I’m glad I didn’t waste time applying. Researching the culture ahead of time is a game-changer!
7. Recent News and Developments
It’s crucial to know what’s happening in the company right now. Are they launching a new product or entering a new market? Keeping up with the latest news and developments can provide you with conversation points during the interview. For example, I once researched a company that had recently gone through a merger. In the interview, I was able to bring it up and discuss how I could contribute during the transition phase. It made me seem insightful and proactive.
8. Interview Format: Know What to Expect
Whether it's a behavioural interview or a technical one, understanding the interview format can help you prepare accordingly. I had one interview where I was told upfront it would be a "competency-based" interview, so I made sure to prepare specific examples of how I handled situations in past roles. Knowing what to expect can reduce anxiety and help you shine.
9. Salary Expectations: Know the Going Rate
You might not want to talk salary in the first interview, but it’s helpful to know the average salary range for the position. Do your research on websites like Payscale or Glassdoor to gauge what’s realistic to expect. This helps you feel more confident when the salary conversation inevitably comes up. I once had a situation where the hiring manager asked for my salary expectations, and knowing the industry range helped me provide a thoughtful response.
10. Your Questions: Show You’re Engaged
Finally, be prepared with a list of insightful questions. These should demonstrate that you’ve done your research and are genuinely interested in the role. Don’t just ask about salary or benefits – ask about the team structure, recent challenges the company is facing, or what success looks like in the role. I once asked about the company's plans for growth in a specific market, and the hiring manager was impressed by how forward-thinking I was.
Final Thoughts
So, next time you’re preparing for an interview, remember: what to research before an interview can truly set you apart. Dive deep into the company, the role, and the people who could become your colleagues. The more prepared you are, the more confident and engaged you’ll be in the interview. You’ll feel ready to take on any question and truly impress your potential employer. It’s time to show them you’ve done your homework, and trust me, it will pay off.
The next time you're in an interview, think back on these tips. Preparation is key – and with the right research, you’ll be the candidate they can’t wait to hire.
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