Have you submitted a job application recently? You may be wondering how many other people have applied as well. Forbes.com shares the average number of applications for a single job is 118, which makes getting an interview even more riveting! Our recruiters work regularly with job openings, helping candidates land interviews every day, so we wanted to dive into why it is meaningful to take the time to research a company before — and after — an interview. Here are a few noteworthy benefits of conducting thorough research at both stages!
Before the Interview
Conducting research before your interview allows you to decide if you’re interested in the opportunity. But, it also shows you are prepared and invested in what the position and company has to offer — which is exactly what a hiring team wants to see! Research creates excitement, and your enthusiasm will help you stand out — increasing your chances to be selected as the “obvious” choice! With a little research, you can enter the interview feeling fully prepared and confident that you’re giving it your best shot!
Preparedness
Researching a company allows you to gather essential background information that will not only help you get to know the business but also benefit your interview conversation — providing company-specific nuggets to loop in or questions to ask. Here is a list of some areas you may want to explore:
History
Mission
Values
Products
Services
Target market
Competitors
Recent news.
You can align your skills and experiences with tailored responses to leave an impression — and since on average, as you now know, 118 originally applied, you can be a standout candidate with a solid interview!
Asking Informed Questions
Do you have questions prepared for when you’re asked: “What questions do you have for us?”? Conducting pre-interview research can help develop thoughtful questions and provides an opportunity to jot down relevant findings that can be confirmed during the interview. This allows you to delve deeper into the organization's operations and culture — gain valuable insights while relaying authentic interest and engagement. You can walk out of an interview with your questions clearly answered, so you also have a better idea if the opportunity is a good fit for you.
Cultural Fit
One topic of interest you likely want to explore is company culture. Understanding in advance what the day-to-day environment is and what a company values can help you assess whether it aligns with your own work style, beliefs, and career goals. Most businesses have social media profiles; conducting a bit of research by scrolling through their feeds could help you gather a general understanding of the company’s culture.
This is helpful in deciding if you would thrive in the organization and be a great asset for their team. After all, everyone wants a job they enjoy! Evaluating cultural fit firsthand helps you find a fulfilling and productive work environment.
After the Interview
Why would it be beneficial to dive in further following the interview? Spending a bit of time researching afterward can help you assess whether the opportunity is a good fit for your personal career goals with a big-picture lense. You may have learned about company-specific resources you can turn to now. Maybe, additional inside information was mentioned in the interview. Or, your questions were answered, and a follow-up is warranted.
“Researching a company before an interview shows you’ve come to the interview prepared and allows you to personalize your answers to the company’s values and mission. Researching the company further after your interview helps confirm whether the company is a fit for you. It can help you understand the company’s history, their clients, competitors, culture, and where the company is heading.” — Gretchen Olwig, Senior Director of Talent Engagement
Follow-Up Communication
After the interview, we highly recommend sending a thank-you note or follow-up email. Along with your pre- and post-interview research, you can incorporate specific details from the conversation and reiterate your interest in the company. This personalized approach shows dedication and highlights your professionalism!
You can move forward knowing you’ve given an A+ effort, and you’ve gained additional insights to make an informed decision that’s right for you. Evaluating the opportunity holistically allows you to determine if it aligns with your career goals and personal aspirations.
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