Research the Company

How to properly research a company before a job interview.

Research the Company Prior to the Job Interview

To be successful at the job interview, you will first begin a research campaign designed to significantly improve your chances. Before sending out a cover letter or resume, know who's going to be reading them and what their needs are. Tailor that letter and resume to suit the interests of the firm, then you'll have a big advantage before ever setting foot in the door.

What should you be learning about the company? First, you want to find out their corporate personality, their style, their respect among other firms. Each firm is different, and these sometimes-subtle differences can have a big influence on their hiring practices. Some firms care more about their social responsibility than others, things like that are note-worthy. You might also want to get a handle on their benefit package, salary options, and promotion policies, if possible.

It's helpful to get information on your prospective position, but also difficult. How long has the position been open, why did the last person leave, how much turnover has there been? If it's a new position, you might want to know why it was created, what specific need is being met or problem being solved. This can really influence hiring decisions.

If a company is publicly traded, or large enough to create news. Go to Yahoo Finance or Google Finance, and read several articles regarding the company. Also, become aware of their stock symbol, it's high and lows. Why it reached its highs, if it's down, why it reached its lows. Also, spend an hour browsing the company's website, learn all their products. Research their corporate personnel, read through their annual reports.

Now with this information, you will be able to successfully tailor your resume and cover letter, and even better you'll know the company as if you worked their for months before your interview.