Mastering Pre-Interview Research: 6 steps to impress and land the job

Unlocking success in job interviews begins with thorough pre-interview research, an invaluable practice that not only showcases your dedication but also maximizes your chances of landing the position. In this competitive landscape, delving into a company’s background demonstrates genuine interest, making you a standout candidate.

According to Dr Preeti Suryawanshi, Associate Professor & Area Chair (Marketing), Apeejay School of Management, entering an interview room can be nerve-wracking, but with the right preparation and mindset, you can leave a lasting impression on your interviewer and shared five key strategies to help you ace your next interview and secure the job you desire.

“First, before stepping into the interview, take the time to thoroughly research the company and the role you’re applying for. Second, Craft a succinct yet compelling elevator pitch that summarizes your professional background, skills, and what makes you unique, Third, during the interview, utilise the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses to behavioral questions. 

“Fourth, employers not only seek candidates with the right skills but also those who align with the company culture. Pay attention to your demeanor, communication style, and body language to convey professionalism, positivity, and adaptability. Finally, towards the end of the interview, seize the opportunity to ask insightful questions that demonstrate your interest and engagement,” Dr Suryawanshi advised.

Remember, tailoring your responses to align with their mission and values ensures a personalised approach, highlighting your skills’ relevance. Pre-interview research on a company is incredibly important for several reasons

Demonstrates your interest and enthusiasm: Taking the time to learn about the company shows that you’re genuinely interested in the position and have put in extra effort to stand out. This initiative can impress the interviewer and make you a more memorable candidate.

Helps you tailor your responses: By understanding the company’s mission, values, goals, and recent projects, you can tailor your responses to highlight how your skills and experience align with their needs. This shows that you’re not just applying for any job, but that you’ve specifically targeted this company because of your passion for their work.

Uncovers potential cultural fit: Researching the company culture, including employee reviews and social media posts, can give you valuable insights into what it’s actually like to work there. This helps you assess whether the company aligns with your values and preferences, potentially saving you time and disappointment if it’s not a good fit.

Prepares you for common interview questions: Many companies have predictable interview questions, and being familiar with their common themes can help you prepare strong answers. Researching the company beforehand can give you a sense of what specific questions they might ask and allow you to craft thoughtful and relevant responses.

Enables you to ask intelligent questions: When you’re well-informed about the company, you can ask insightful questions that demonstrate your genuine interest and curiosity. This shows the interviewer that you’re engaged and excited about the opportunity, further boosting your chances of success.

Increases your confidence: Stepping into an interview with knowledge and understanding can boost your confidence and make you feel more prepared. This can translate into a more composed and professional demeanor, leaving a positive impression on the interviewer.

But a more important question that arises is how can freshers do pre-interview research for a company that they have applied to.

Start with the basics:

·         Company website: This is your go-to source. Explore their “About Us”, “Mission & Values”, “Products & Services”, and “News & Events” sections.

·         Job description: Re-read the job description carefully. Note the keywords, skills mentioned, and any company information provided.

·         Social media: Follow the company on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. See their posts, employee interactions, and company culture glimpses.

Dig deeper for insights:

·         News articles and press releases: Find recent news mentions or publications by the company. This shows their current projects, challenges, and industry positioning.

·         Competitor analysis: Research the company’s main competitors. This helps you understand their market positioning and potential differentiators.

·         Employee reviews and ratings: Platforms like Glassdoor, Indeed, and LinkedIn reviews can offer insights into employee experience, company culture, and potential red flags.

·         Financial reports (optional): If publicly traded, reviewing their financial performance can give you an idea of their stability and growth trajectory.

Focus on specific points for newbies:

·         Research common interview questions: Look for frequently asked questions for your role or industry. Prepare answers that showcase your skills and fit with the company.

·         Identify key players: Learn about the hiring manager, department heads, or potential colleagues. Mentioning them by name during the interview demonstrates preparation and interest.

·         Practice your “elevator pitch”: Craft a concise summary of yourself, highlighting your skills and why you’re excited about the company. This makes a strong first impression during the interview.

Remember:

·         Tailor your research to the specific company and role. Don’t just memorize facts; focus on understanding their values, culture, and current challenges.

·         Take notes and organize your findings. This will help you reference information easily during the interview.

·         Be confident and enthusiastic! Showcasing your genuine interest and preparation goes a long way in making a positive impression.

By following these steps and adapting them to your specific situation, you can conduct effective pre-interview research as a newbie and increase your chances of success!