Not so long ago job seekers who wanted to stand out in an interview were advised to research the company and interviewer. You could use your research to determine which examples of your work you should share when answering questions and any sentence starting with ‘I saw on your website… was sure to impress.
Today however, not researching the organisation and interviewer sees you stand out for all the wrong reasons. In our information and social media age, where information is so readily available, there’s really no excuse for not doing your homework.
Don’t think you can bluff your way through an interview either. Interviewers know when you’ve failed to do your research; it’s there for all to see in answers that are not personalised or in work examples you cite that aren’t 100 per cent relevant to the role, the organisation or its clients.
Other tell-tale signs of a failure to research include asking a question you would already know the answer to if you’d looked into the organisation and team, not demonstrating how your skills could add value to the organisation, and not understanding the vacancy’s role in helping the organisation achieve its objectives.
So how can you research an organisation and what should you look for?
We suggest:
* Social media: At the very least you should search for the organisation and your interviewer on LinkedIn. Like the organisation on Facebook and follow them on Twitter so you are up-to-date with their latest news.
* Google: Search for the organisation and your interviewer online. Just like your social media research, you are looking for information about the organisation. This could include recent executive-level appointments, expansions or new products or services.
* The organisation’s website: An organisation’s website will give you more detailed news and – crucially – insight into its culture.
* Glassdoor: Websites such as Glassdoor can provide further information about an organisation that can’t be discovered on their website or social media pages.
From your research you’ll gain an insight into the organisation’s culture, products or services and its objectives. You’ll be able to see if you are connected to anyone who has worked at the organisation, in which case you can talk to them for more insights about the company.
Use the information you uncovered to prepare appropriate examples of your work, previous performance and way you work that show your interviewer you are the very best fit for the organisation and role.
Jim Roy, Regional Director
5th Floor, 54 Marcus Clarke Street, Canberra
T 02 6112 7663 | F 02 6257 6377 E [email protected]
