Tip No. 196
Q. I'm preparing for a big interview and want to research the company -- where do I look for information?
A. You're smart to want to do your research! Here is a list of sources where you can gather information on a target company: Check out the company Web site - You'll get an idea of the image the company wants to project. Most company sites have details on the products or services produced, press releases or news clippings, basic employment information (what jobs are available, etc.) and information on partners and customers, or customer testimonials. You should particularly be looking for clues to the corporate culture; information about new or upcoming deals, products or projects; and news about challenges faced and overcome. Search News sites - Search news sites for stories about the company, the industry or competitors to get a handle on what challenges the company may be facing in the near future. Consider Corporate message board sites - There are sites where current and former employees can give their opinions about what they believe it's really like to work for the company where you're applying. Take a look and you might just gain some valuable clues about what these people say the corporate culture is really like at the firm. Be aware that most people posting have strong feelings, so take it all with a grain of salt. However, if every post mentions the 80-hour work weeks, chances are that you'll be putting in overtime. Review Competitor sites - Take a look at what the company's chief competitors are doing. What sort of things will your target company have to react to in the upcoming months? Always Network - Ask your contacts about their impressions of the company, the sort of work they do and their take on the issues facing the company. This is valuable, first-hand information! Now that you've done your research, you'll want to incorporate your knowledge of the company/industry/market when answering and asking questions during the interview. An obvious opening to ask questions might be: "What do you know about our company?" But, you can make your own openings by asking informed questions of your own such as: "How will this position help XYZ company increase their market share over competitors such as ABC?" Happy researching!
CMI Career Management International
If you have a question for CMI, please send email to tips@careermanagement.com with "Question for CMI" in the subject line.
TipsArchive | About Our Counselors | Career Management International