When preparing for an interview, it is essential to research the organization thoroughly. This includes not only the organization itself but also their leadership, products, and industry. Knowing these details will help you decide if it is a company you want to work for and also help impress potential interviewers.
To effectively research an organization, you should focus on the following areas:
Sources to consider when researching employers include the organization's website, social media, annual report, and press releases, as well as trade publications and business publications such as the Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, Barron's, and Forbes. If the organization is publicly traded, you can also use Yahoo Finance to access financial information. By conducting thorough research, you can gain valuable insight into the organization and industry, making you a better candidate for the job.
To effectively research an organization, you should focus on the following areas:
Industry:
- Research the organization's competitors, both domestic and international, and their market share.
- Look into recent mergers and acquisitions within the industry.
- Be aware of any controversial issues surrounding the industry.
Leadership:
- Research the background of your interviewer and top management.
- Learn about the organization's founder and their story.
- Be aware of notable board members and any changes in leadership.
- Check if there are any alumni from your school working for the organization.
Organization:
- Read the organization's mission statement and learn about its structure.
- Determine if the organization is public or private.
- Check the stock performance if the company is publicly traded.
- Be aware of any action taken by activist shareholders.
Products:
- Learn about the products and product lines of the organization.
- Be aware of any innovations and target customers.
- Check the markets in which the products are sold, including emerging markets.
- Know the organization's market share, sales channels, and advertising campaigns.
Networking:
- Reach out to your connections or former students working at the company for an insider perspective.
- Attend informational sessions and any event which employer attends on campus.
Sources to consider when researching employers include the organization's website, social media, annual report, and press releases, as well as trade publications and business publications such as the Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, Barron's, and Forbes. If the organization is publicly traded, you can also use Yahoo Finance to access financial information. By conducting thorough research, you can gain valuable insight into the organization and industry, making you a better candidate for the job.