Getting your CV and cover letter noticed is challenging enough by itself. If you factor in a botched interview, the frustration will only double now that you have to start from scratch. If you’re feeling apprehensive while reading this, then do not fret. Bayt.com is here to give you the advice and tools to help you do your best as a candidate.
Three Questions You Should Ask Your Interviewer During a Job Interview
Here's a guide to researching any company so that you can tackle your interview in a confident and informed manner.
1. Research the company
Search both Google and the ‘News’ tab for the company name. You can get priceless information through doing so. You might find out the company is expanding into another continent, for example, or has just won an award, or received funding for a project, for example. You should read as much press as you can, be it favorable to the company or not. Finding out about the company failings can help you determine what you can add to the company in terms of value. The knowledge you gain about the company through their media representation can help shape your answers to interview questions.
2. Visit the company’s website
Your next stop is the company’s website. There, you can look over the organization’s mission statement, vision, history, products and services, and management. Additionally, you will be able to find or, at least, ascertain information about the company culture. If the website has a press section, read through the featured links there to get a better sense of the company’s reputation and values.
3. Check the company's social media
You should also take a look through all the company’s social media platforms, be it their Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. This will provide you with a good idea of the company’s language or ‘personality’, if you will. You will also be able to tell how the company wants to be seen by its consumers. If you have an account on any of these social media websites, you should also follow the company account for updates. You may find information that otherwise would have been difficult to get hold of.
4. Get to know the company's industry and competition
In addition to researching the company, you will need to dedicate time to review the overall industry the company falls under as well as getting a sense of their competitors. If you are interviewing for a job at an internet shopping startup, it is helpful to be informed about current consumer trends. Research the company’s biggest competitors, identifying their successes and shortcomings. Insight into the company’s industry and their business rivals is guaranteed to impress interviewers, especially if you come up with creative ideas the company can use to get ahead.
Remember, don’t show up looking physically, emotionally or mentally underprepared. Practice some self-care the night before. Get that haircut you’ve been putting off for weeks. Make sure your outfit is pressed and neat and practice some breathing exercises. You’ve got this. Now, show them what you’re all about.
By Dalia Abu-Sharar
This article originally appeared in Bayt.com. This article and all other intellectual property on Bayt.com is the property of Bayt.com. Reproduction of this article in any form is only permissible with written permission from Bayt.com.
