Research the Company
Eighteen easy tips to research the company, so you walk into the interview knowing and caring.
Know them well. Show real interest.
25 tips that really help
These ideas come from Knock ’Em Dead (Martin Yate), Power Questions (Andrew Sobel and Jerold Panas), Never Split the Difference (Chris Voss), and everyday practice. Pick one tip and try it today.
Why research helps
Interviewers love candidates who know their work. It also calms your nerves because nothing feels like a surprise.
Research.
Read the About and Mission pages
Learn what they do and what they value. Use their words in your answers.
Read them.
Check recent news
Look for new products, awards or changes. It gives you things to talk about.
Search news.
Read the job description twice
Underline the main skills and tasks. Match each with a story.
Underline it.
Look up the interviewers
Check their roles and background. It helps you find common ground.
Look them up.
Learn the products or services
Try the product if you can. Real experience shows interest.
Try it.
Note your questions
Write three smart questions about the team and goals. Good questions impress.
Write three.
Write a one-page summary
Put the key facts on one page. Review it before you go.
Make a page.
Script: showing interest
I read about your new community project, and I loved the idea. Say it warmly.
Use it.
Script: linking skills
My experience in customer care fits the needs of this role. Say it clearly.
Use it.
Script: question
How does the team celebrate wins? Say it kindly.
Use it.
Mistake: reading only the home page
A deeper look helps, so read more.
Read more.
Mistake: repeating the website word for word
Use your own words, so be natural.
Be natural.
Troubleshoot: when there is little information
Ask people in your network or look at similar companies. You can still prepare.
Ask around.
Troubleshoot: when you feel overwhelmed
Focus on three facts: what they do, who they serve and one recent event.
Pick three.
Drill: research one company in thirty minutes
Set a timer and write ten notes about a company.
Try it.
Drill: write three smart questions
Write three questions you could ask in an interview.
Write three.
Learn the company values and match your stories
Pick two values and prepare a story that shows each. It makes your answers feel fitting.
Pick two values.
Find their competitors
Knowing others in the field shows you understand the market. Mention one calmly.
Name two.
Read the latest press release
It tells you what leaders care about now.
Read one.
Write a three-line summary
What they do, who they serve, why you like it. Say it aloud.
Write three lines.
Example: the product fan
Mia used the company app for a week and told them one idea. They loved it.
Try the product.
Example: the news mention
Tom said, I read about your new office in Leeds. Congratulations. The interviewer smiled.
Mention news.
Troubleshoot: when you have little time
Spend twenty minutes on the website, news and reviews. It is enough.
Time-box it.
Drill: research a company in twenty minutes
Set a timer and write five facts.
Try it.
Easy things to say
When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many networking and career moments.
“I read about your mission.”
“I admire your new project.”
“My skills match this need.”
“How does the team work?”
“Thank you for your time.”
“I am excited to join.”
Your first week
One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.
Read the website
Read the news
Check the role
Check the people
Write notes
Write questions
Review the night before
Further reading
- Knock ’Em Dead (Martin Yate)
- Power Questions (Andrew Sobel and Jerold Panas)
- Never Split the Difference (Chris Voss)
The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.
More lessons in “Acing Job Interviews”
Keep going. Small steps every day make a big change.
- Research the Company
- Prepare Three Stories
- Practise Common Questions
- Calm Your Nerves Before You Go In
- Make a Strong First Impression
- Answer Clearly and Kindly
- Answer "Tell Me About Yourself"
- Answer Weakness and Failure Questions
- Answer Salary Questions Calmly
- Ask Smart Questions
- Send a Thank-You Note
- Learn From Every Interview
