What do you know about our company?
It is important to research the company you are applying to before going into the interview. Some interviewers may put you on the spot by asking what you know about the company. It is best to have notes prepared in advance with general knowledge about the company as a whole and specific knowledge about the position or department you are applying to. A great place to look for this information is the company website, articles, recent news stories about ongoing projects, and the job posting itself.
"I understand that this is a service-oriented company that has offices in Europe, North and South America, Australasia, Asia, and Africa. In the southern United States, the headquarters is located in Houston, Texas. In general, this company offers services to clients, who may own a rig or land, and provide them with improved ways to extract oil and gas."
"I read on your website that you're one of the top innovative oil & gas companies in the US and that you are on the cutting edge of working on more sustainable methods of extracting oil & gas and looking at alternatives to invest in long-term. I also read a recent news article that mentioned you're looking to expand into providing your services to institutions and government entities as well, and that's something I've been very interested in exploring since graduating from college."
You're almost guaranteed to hear this common interview question during a job search. Knowing the history and details of a company and what makes them desirable as an employer will make you a more appealing candidate to the interviewer, especially if your own career goals align with those of the company. You should also try to learn more about the hiring manager and what they do daily. During the interview, ask thoughtful questions to show that you have prepared and would like to know as much about them as possible.
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