How to Research a Company Before Your Interview

Before any interview, you should always do your homework on the company and the position you’re interviewing for. Even if it’s just a phone screen, recruiters will expect that you have done your basic homework. Here are the top 5 things you should do before going into your next interview.

1) Check your network

Think through your friends -- do you know anyone who works at the company? Does one of your Facebook friends or LinkedIn connections work there? A current employee will be your best resource for information on the company’s culture and interview process. They got hired, after all!

2) Read the company website

You should always review all available information posted on the company’s careers page. You should go into the interview with a strong understanding what the company does and what its values are.

3) Know the industry

Who are the company’s competitors? What industry is the company in? What are the trends in the industry? You should research the entire space, not just the company you’re interviewing for. Even a little bit of knowledge about the broader industry will set you apart from your competition and prove that you’ve done your homework.

4) Read previous experiences

Websites like Glassdoor give real interview experiences by candidates who have gone through the same interview process. These reviews often give examples of actual interview questions that can help you get ahead of the curve.

5) Know the role

If it’s a first round interview, you may not know exactly what the position entails. However, most often company job descriptions are posted online. You should familiarize yourself with the position, the responsibilities, and the characteristics that make an employee successful in that role.