Company Research
What is the need for the company’s research?
“Does the company research matter in the interview?” is a very basic and common question asked by the students.
Getting ready for a job interview is more than just updating your resume and practicing answers. A key step is learning about the company you’re applying to. This helps you give better answers and shows the interviewer that you’re truly interested in the job.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to research a company the right way, with helpful tips to make your preparation easy and even enjoyable.
Page Highlights:
- What is company research?
- Easy Steps for Company Research
- What are the points you should know about the company?
What is company research?
The process of acquiring detailed information about the company is called company research. Detailed information means doing an investigation of the company’s projects, its achievements, competitors, key players of the organization and etc.
Importance of Company Research
Firstly, company research is the best way to know about the company, what the company does, and what are the skills required for the company. And also spending some amount of time on research helps you to gain a better understanding of the employer’s expectations. So, one can get a clear-cut idea about the company and this research will also be helpful in HR interviews too.
Why Company Research Matters?
Before we get into how to research a company, let’s first understand why it matters. Doing your research before an interview:
- Shows that you’re interested and proactive.
- Helps you match your skills and experience to what the company needs.
- Lets you ask smart questions during the interview.
- Gives you insight into the company’s culture and values.
- Helps you figure out if this company is the right place for you.
Easy Steps for Company Research
1. Check the Company Website
The company’s official website is the best place to start. Here’s what to look for:
- About Us Page: Learn about their mission, vision, and values.
- News or Press Releases: Stay updated on recent events, new products, or company growth.
- Careers Page: Get a sense of their work culture, employee benefits, and what they look for in team members.
- Products/Services: Understand what they offer and how they stand out from competitors.
Tip: If they have an annual report, check it out for insights into their financial health and future plans.
2. Check Social Media
Social media gives you a glimpse into a company’s personality and engagement. Here’s where to look:
- LinkedIn: Browse their page, recent posts, and employee profiles. See if you have connections who can share insights.
- Twitter/X: Observe how they interact with customers and stay involved in industry conversations.
- Instagram/Facebook: Learn about their branding, work culture, and employee experiences.
Tip: Take note of recent campaigns or trends they’re involved in. Bringing these up in your interview can show you’re well-informed.
3. Read Employee Reviews
Look for insider perspectives on:
Company culture
Work-life balance
Leadership style
Common interview questions
Heads-up: Some reviews may be overly positive or negative. Look for recurring themes to get a balanced view.
4. Stay Updated on Industry News
Knowing where the company stands in its industry can give you an edge. Use:
Google News – Find recent articles about the company.
Crunchbase – Learn about funding, acquisitions, and leadership.
Competitor Analysis – Research rival companies to understand trends and challenges.
Tip: Ask in the interview how the company differentiates itself from competitors. It shows strategic thinking.
5. Tap Into Your Network
Talking to current or past employees can give you valuable insights. You can:
- Message connections on LinkedIn who have worked there.
- Attend industry events or webinars where employees might be speaking.
- Ask mutual connections for introductions.
Pro Tip: Keep your questions short and respectful of their time.
6. Study the Job Description
The job listing contains key information. Pay attention to:
Main responsibilities and required skills.
The language used (e.g., “fast-paced,” “collaborative”).
Mentions of company values and culture.
Tip: Reference specific parts of the job description in your interview to show how your experience is a great fit.
DID YOU KNOW?
Fun Facts About Researching Companies:
47% of hiring managers are more likely to hire candidates who know about the company.
Companies with a strong reputation attract 50% more qualified applicants.
Researching the company can boost your confidence and reduce interview stress.
What are the Points You Should know about the Company?
Below given are the important points one should note about the company things like:
Key players of the company:
The key players within the company are the employees who hold important positions. These individuals can be managers, CEO, Co-founders, etc. You can find out about them on the About page of the company’s official website. If you want to know about them just go through LinkedIn, Twitter, and other social media.
Search google news about the company's recent developments:
Just go the Google news or any news app where you can find the news about the company’s developments, and achievements. Just gain some important knowledge about them and make a note about them. Making a note will also help you to get prepared for the interview. And also you will gain general knowledge.
History:
A company’s current standing is certainly important, at the same time it is important to know about the past too. By knowing about the past, you can gain a better understanding like
- Changes in the policies
- About its past business partners
- Change in company’s growth
- Achievements
Clients, Products, Services:
The company’s clients, products, and services can be directly found on the company’s official website. By knowing the services you would also get an idea about the work you will be doing once get hired. You will also know its clients and what type of products it manufactures.
Skills and Experience of the company
Do research on what skills the company wants. Check whether your skills get matched with the skills required for the company. If the skills don’t match, you can also have a chance to learn or upgrade your skills. To find the required skills, you can go through the job responsibilities section or the skills used in the projects, or by going to the employee’s career page.
And also while doing the research on the company, know whether the company belongs to a start-up or service-based, or product-based company.
Quick Checklist: Are You Ready?
Before your interview, make sure you can answer these questions:
What does the company do, and what are its main values?
Who are its biggest competitors, and what makes it different?
What recent successes or challenges has the company had?
What is the company culture like, and how would you fit in?
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Join Our Interview Course Now to Get Yourself Prepared -
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