Ladies and gentlemen, a round of applause, please! You have completed the first round of screening and landed yourself a first interview. After giving yourself a little cheer and a pat on the back, it’s time for you to consider what the next steps are.
The surest way to fail an interview or, at the very least, leave your interview feeling underwhelmed is to go into the interview unprepared. It sends the message that you do not particularly care about the company in question and renders the possibility of your acceptance very slim. Additionally, without sufficient knowledge of the company, it will be difficult for you to answer the questions or even find questions to ask the interviewer. Remember, an interview is a two-way conversation and you need to be able to give back as good as you get.
Getting your CV and cover letter noticed is challenging enough by itself. If you factor in a botched interview, the frustration will only double now that you have to start from scratch. If you’re feeling apprehensive while reading this, then do not fret. Bayt.com is always here to give you the advice and tools to help you do your best as a candidate. By the end of this blog, you will have a clear method to researching any company so that you tackle your interview in a confident and informed manner.
1. Bayt.com Company Profile
Your first step should be to look at the company’s Bayt.com profile, where you will find some details that could be useful for your search. You will find their ‘About’ section, a list of the other positions they are hiring for as well as a list of their employees. You can also see if any of their employees are in your network and if they are, then you should contact them as you can gain an idea of the company work culture, what the reality on the ground is and what really matters the most for you to work at this company.
2. Visit the Company’s Website
Your next stop is the company’s website. There, you can look over the organization’s mission statement, vision, history, products and services, and management. Additionally, you will be able to find or, at least, ascertain information about the company culture. If the website has a press section, read through the featured links there to get a better sense of the company’s reputation and values.
3. Browse Social Media
You should also take a look through all the company’s social media platforms, be it their Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. This will provide you with a good idea of the company’s language or ‘personality’, if you will. You will also be able to tell how the company wants to be seen by its consumers. If you have an account on any of these social media websites, you should also follow the company account for updates. You may find information that otherwise would have been difficult to get hold of.
4. Google the Company
Search both Google and the ‘News’ tab for the company name. You can get priceless information through doing so. You might find out the company is expanding into another continent, for example, or has just won an award, or received funding for a project, for example. You should read as much press as you can, be it favorable to the company or not. Finding out about the company failings can help you determine what you can add to the company in terms of value. The knowledge you gain about the company through their media representation can help shape your answers to interview questions.
5. Get to know the Industry and the Competition
In addition to researching the company, you will need to dedicate time to review the overall industry the company falls under as well as getting a sense of their competitors. If you are interviewing for a job at an internet shopping startup, it is helpful to be informed about current consumer trends. Research the company’s biggest competitors, identifying their successes and shortcomings. Insight into the company’s industry and their business rivals is guaranteed to impress interviewers, especially if you come up with creative ideas the company can use to get ahead.
Oh, and remember, don’t show up looking physically, emotionally or mentally under prepared. Practice some self-care the night before. Get that haircut you’ve been putting off for weeks. Make sure your outfit is pressed and neat and practice some breathing exercises. You’ve got this. Now, show them what you’re all about.
