Getting ready for an interview involves more than fixing your resume with a fine-tooth comb and freshening your skills. Company researching is one of the most integral – it shows that you’re interested and it’ll aid you in deciding if the company is what you’re looking for. We will now go through ten excellent ways to do company research that will assist you prior to the interview with some reputable tech giants that you were tagged in.
9 Essential ways to do Company Research
Check out the company’s official website
The organization’s official website is where you’ll start. Their mission, values, and also their products or services are all detailed within it. You should check the “About Us”, “Our History”, “Leadership”, and “Careers” sections. These sections will help you understand and get an overview of the company.
- Mission and values: Understanding what the company is trying to accomplish and their values helps you respond in a way that is more in line with their views. For instance, when discussing innovation and impact in your interview, keep in mind Apple’s mission of “creating the best products on earth and leaving this earth better than we found it.”
- Products and Services Identifying what the business provides equips you to have an intentional conversation about how their work. If you’re interviewing with Samsung, knowing about the broad array of electronics and innovative technology can reinforce your knowledge in what they lead in the market.
- Assuming you are looking to work for Tesla (TSLA), knowing about Elon Musk’s vision of sustainable energy and will better position you to understand the future of the company.
Review professional reviews on Glassdoor and Indeed
Websites such as Glassdoor and Indeed offer employee reviews that can provide insight into the company’s work environment, management style, and employee satisfaction.
- Workplace: Surveys can reveal company culture and whether employees feel supported and valued. If you are considering a role at Infosys, it can be reassuring to see positive reviews about their work culture and career development opportunities.
- Compensation and Benefits: Gain an understanding of the compensation package and benefits offered. For example, if you’re applying to Bank of America, understanding their benefits can help you figure out what to expect.
- Interview Experience: Read about the interview experience of new candidates to get a sense of what to expect. If multiple surveys cover a particular question or interview style, you can prepare accordingly.
Look at Social Media Channels as a part of your Company Research
Having a presence on social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook will provide real-time media updates and cultural insights about the company along with your value proposition.
- Twitter and Facebook : These sessions give you an overview of how the company is engaging with its audience and any recent campaigns or events. For example, if Disney is rolling out a new promotional campaign, mentioning this in your interview could mean you are in tune with their current activities.
- LinkedIn: Check the company’s LinkedIn page for up-to-date information, professional connections and recent hires. For example, viewing Meta’s LinkedIn page can give you a glimpse into their latest projects and professional career paths.
Understand When Reading Recent News and Press Releases
Want to stay abreast of the latest happenings in the company? You can follow the releases and media coverage about the announcement, including company press pages and search the news websites, Google News etc.
- Keep track of company specific news (Company and Industry News): Knowing JPMorgan Chase’s commitment to launching a new digital banking initiative affords you with a timely illustration of how they are engaging with technology and customer experience.
- Recent Achievements: Addressing recent accomplishments in your job interview proves that you are on par with the company’s progress. For instance, you can validate your engagement with the product by saying that Google has just launched another AI tool.
Look Into the Company’s Community Involvement
Many companies are involved in community service and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. This information is often highlighted on their website or social media channels.
- CSR Programs: Understanding the company’s CSR efforts can help you gauge their commitment to social responsibility and community engagement. For example, Toyota’s initiatives in sustainable transportation and environmental sustainability can be a point of discussion if you’re interviewing for a role related to their green technologies.
- Community Impact: Highlighting your involvement in similar initiatives can strengthen your connection to the company’s values. If IBM has programs supporting STEM education, discussing your own volunteer work in this area can demonstrate a shared commitment.
Learn about the financial health of the company
If the company is publicly traded, you can view its financial statements on websites such as Yahoo Finance, Google Finance, and the company’s financial relations page.
- Annual Report: An annual report provides detailed insight into a company’s finances, strategic objectives, and future plans. For example, an analysis of TSMC’s annual report can provide a comprehensive view of their financial health and strategic direction in the semiconductor industry.
- Stock Performance: Understanding how a company’s stock has performed can give you a sense of its financial stability and perception of the market. For example, examining Tesla’s stock trends provides insight into their financial stability and investor confidence.
Examine the Company’s Competitors as a part of your Company Research
As a process of company research, researching the company’s main competitors can give you a better understanding of the market landscape and how the company differentiates itself.
- Competitive Analysis: Understanding the company’s strengths and weaknesses compared to its competitors can help you position yourself as a valuable asset. For example, knowing how Amazon’s e-commerce dominance compares to Walmart’s retail strategies can help you discuss their competitive advantages.
- Market Trends: Stay informed about market trends and how they impact the company’s strategy. If NVIDIA is leading advancements in AI and graphics processing, understanding these trends can help you discuss their strategic position during your interview.
Review Industry Reports and Analysis
Industry reports from firms like Gartner, Forrester, or industry-specific publications can provide an in-depth analysis of the company’s market position and strategic direction.
- Market Reports: These reports can give you a broader perspective on the industry and the company’s role within it. For instance, understanding the semiconductor industry’s trends can help you discuss TSMC’s market position more effectively.
- Analyst Opinions: Reading opinions from industry analysts can provide additional insights into the company’s future prospects and challenges. If you’re interviewing with Google, understanding analysts’ views on their cloud computing and AI strategies can be valuable.
Prepare questions based on your Company research
As you gather information about the company, prepare thoughtful questions to ask in the interview. This shows that you have done your homework and are genuinely interested in the program and the company.
- Strategic questions: Ask about the company’s strategic goals and how your role can help achieve them. For example, you can ask Amazon about their future plans for service expansion and how your business can support these goals.
- The right culture: Ask about the company culture and how they support employee growth and development. Asking Meta about their approach to growth and innovation can show your interest in long-term growth.
- Recent achievements: Discuss recent events or accomplishments and ask how they affect the company’s future plans. If Disney has just acquired a new studio, discussing how this fits into their overall strategy shows you know better.
Conclusion
Doing a thorough company research before the interview is important to make a strong impression and ensure that the company is a good fit for you. With these ten strategies, you can gather comprehensive information that will help you stand out during your interview and make informed decisions about your potential employer. Remember, the more prepared you are, the more confident you’ll feel walking into that interview room. Taking the time to research can greatly increase your chances of finding a job and ensuring it matches your career goals and values.