Company & Employer Research
Researching the employer you plan to interview with is one of the most important things you can do in preparation for an interview. If you are looking for a way to impress an employer and stand out from the crowd, then do your research before the interview. It is essential to your success in the interview to be able to talk intelligently about the company, to connect your skills with the employer’s needs, and to ask the interviewer intelligent and purposeful questions. Proper research shows you are interested in and motivation to work for the company. With all the resources available, you should know everything you can about the organization.
What do you need to know about the company?
- Position
- Latest trends
- Products
- Services
- Clientele or customers
- Philosophy, mission statement
- Locations
- Operating budget
- Company culture and history
- Competitors
Where can you find company information?
- Connections Account: Employer Contact Directory
- Mergent Online
- Company websites
- Local, national, and global news
- Business and trade magazines
- Chamber of Commerce
Questions to ask the Interviewer
The interview is designed to be a two-way conversation. The candidates need information on the company, job, work environment, promotional opportunities, and compensation/benefits. Interviewee can obtain some of that information from the website, however the most direct source is to ask questions in the interview.
Organization/Company
- What are plans for future growth/expansion?
- How would you describe the company's management style?
- What are the major issues this organization and industry face presently and in the next three to five years?
- In what ways is a career with your company better than one with your competitors?
- What do you enjoy about working for this company?
Position
- What are the specific duties of this position?
- What does a typical day look like for this position?
- Why is this position available and why was it not filled internally?
- To whom does this position report?
- What kind of assignments might I expect the first six months on the job?
Evaluation/Assessment of Performance
- How often are performance reviews given?
- What criteria will be used to evaluate my performance? How will the review be conducted and by whom?
- How are employees recognized or rewarded for superior performance?
- What are the opportunities for advancement?
- Is it usual policy to promote from within?
Education & Training
- Does your company encourage continued education such as advanced degrees?
- What type of training program do you currently have in place for new hires?
- What additional training might be needed for this position?
- What type of professional development programs are in place at your company?
- How does the company help the employees achieve their maximum potential?
Corporate Culture
- Does your company environment encourage creativity and individuality?
- What kind of personal qualifications does your company value?
- What are the company's values and ethics?
- How would you describe the corporate culture?
- Describe the kind of people who thrive in your company?