Job Interview: Importance of Research

Job interviewers expect potential candidates to be prepared with information regarding the company and the position; job seekers are applying for. However, that does not mean that you should know every thing but some at least what the company does and the responsibilities involved in the particular context of the company where you want to work. These responsibilities and the extent to which you are likely to handle them well will probably be among the main focus points of the job interview; consequently, you should try to do as much research on the company as you can.

You can go over the information you can find on the company’s website or in their advertising material, but you can also call the company’s PR department to see if there are any useful resources they would recommend. That might not only speed up your search, but also filter the available information, so that you can focus on the most relevant parts; if you don’t have so much time left before the interview, you’ll want to have these covered before you have a look at other materials. You’ll be able to find out all sorts of details regarding the company, from history to goals and perspectives.

Based on what this information, you can identify which part of your credentials and experience you should give more prominence to during the interview; this will help you prepare a good argumentation as to why you would be an asset to the company. In other words, you’ll be able to market yourself better, which can only increase your chances of success.

If it is obvious that you are acquainted with the company, the interview might go further than the usual assessment of a candidate’s suitability for the job and take the form of a discussion between two people sharing some common knowledge and interests. What better way to prove that you are the right person in the right place?

Comments