Write your resume in 15 minutes
Our free collection of expertly designed resume templates will help you stand out from the crowd and get one step closer to your dream job.
In this guide, we’ll walk through simple steps to gather all the details you need. By the end, you’ll know how to research like a pro without spending hours scrolling aimlessly. Let’s get started.
Steps to Research a Company Before an Interview
Researching a company before a job interview not only helps deal with interview answers more confidently, but it also shows the interviewer that you’re genuinely interested in the role and the company itself. You want to be prepared; so when you walk into that room (or hop on that Zoom call), you’re ready to impress.
Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to make sure you cover all the bases when you research companies before your job interview.
Step 1: Start with the Company Website
The company website is your first stop when you begin your research. It’s the official source for everything you need to know about the business, from its values to its products and services. Here’s how to make the most of it.
Check the "About Us" Page
The "About Us" page is often the best place to start. It usually provides a summary of the company history, what it stands for and what it aims to achieve. Look for key details about the company’s mission statement, vision, and values.
- Mission Statement: What is the company’s purpose? What problem does it aim to solve for its customers or the world?
- Vision: What are the company’s long-term goals? Where do they see themselves in the next five to ten years?
- Values: These tell you what the company cares about. Are they focused on innovation? Sustainability? Diversity and inclusion?
By understanding these aspects, you’ll get a good sense of the company’s core identity. This will help you tailor your responses during the job interview, showing that you align with their values.
Review Product/Service Offerings and Recent News
Next, take a look at the company’s products or services. Understanding what the company offers is key for the interview. Ask yourself:
- What are their best-selling products or services?
- Are there any new products or services they’ve launched recently?
Also, check out the “news” or “press” section of their website. Many companies post recent updates about new partnerships, awards, or big achievements. Staying on top of these developments will not only help you look informed but will also give you a chance to ask thoughtful questions during the job interview.
Step 2: Look at Their Social Media Accounts
Social media is an excellent tool for getting a feel for the company’s culture. Platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram give you insight into how the company engages with its audience and presents itself to the public. Here’s what to look for.
What to Learn
- LinkedIn: This job platform is great for understanding the company’s professional image. Check out their company profile to see what they’re posting. Are they showcasing their team? Do they share industry news or their own thought leadership?
- Twitter: On Twitter, pay attention to how the company interacts with others. Do they respond quickly to customer inquiries? Do they engage in conversations about industry trends?
- Instagram: Instagram is perfect for getting a sense of the company’s culture. What do they post? Is it behind-the-scenes content, company events, or team celebrations? It can help you get a feel for the work environment.
Spotting Trends in Company Culture
Social media can reveal a lot about how the company treats its employees and customers. Are they promoting work-life balance? Do they celebrate employee achievements or team milestones? Pay attention to their tone as well; are they fun and casual, or formal and professional?
Social media is also a great way to spot any recent updates. You may come across exciting news, such as a product launch, a charity event they’re supporting, or a new partnership they’ve announced.
Step 3: Read Recent News Articles
If you want to stay ahead of the curve, reading recent news about the company is a must. It helps you understand where the company stands in the industry and any major challenges or successes they’ve had.
Use Trusted Sources
Look for news articles, press releases, or blog posts on reputable websites. You can use Google News or sites like Reuters or Bloomberg to find the latest articles. Be sure to look for stories that cover significant milestones or issues the company has faced recently.
Learn About the Company’s Achievements
By reading news articles, you can learn a lot about what the company is doing well, as well as areas where they might be struggling. Have they recently expanded into new markets? Are they dealing with any controversies or financial issues? Understanding these details gives you valuable context for the interview.
Being aware of recent achievements can help you relate your own skills and experience to what the company is aiming for. Similarly, understanding their challenges might give you the opportunity to suggest how you could help solve problems or improve certain areas.
Step 4: Study Employee Insights on Job Platforms
Job platforms like Glassdoor, Indeed, and Comparably provide insider information that can be very helpful when preparing for your interview. These sites allow current and past employees to leave reviews about the company. While you should always take reviews with a grain of salt, they can offer insights into what it’s really like to work there.
Use Glassdoor, Indeed, or Similar Websites for Reviews
On job search platforms like Glassdoor, you can find employee reviews about the company’s work environment, management style, and career growth opportunities. Look for patterns in the reviews; if multiple people mention the same strengths or weaknesses, it’s probably a good indication.
Find Information on Company Culture, Salary, and Growth Opportunities
These platforms also provide salary ranges for various roles, which can help you get a sense of what to expect in terms of compensation. Additionally, many companies offer employee benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, or professional development programs, all of which are often mentioned in reviews.
Learning about the company’s culture is especially useful for making sure the company’s values align with your own. You want to make sure you’re stepping into a workplace where you feel comfortable and supported.
Step 5: Research Your Interviewer
If you know who will be interviewing you, take a little time to research them as well.
Check LinkedIn Profile
LinkedIn is an excellent resource for learning about your hiring manager or interviewer’s professional background. You can see what roles they’ve held, what skills they’ve developed, and what they’re currently doing at the company. You can also check if you have any mutual connections, which can be a great conversation starter.
Additionally, many interviewers share articles or posts on LinkedIn about trends in the industry or their own insights. Reading these can help you understand their perspective and even give you some topics to discuss during the interview.
How This Can Help You Connect During the Interview
Understanding your interviewer’s background and interests can help you build rapport. If they’re passionate about a certain topic or have experience in an area that’s relevant to your skills, you can bring that up during the conversation. This shows you’ve done your homework and helps create a more personal connection.
Step 6: Review Competitors
Knowing about the company’s competitors gives you a wider perspective on the industry. It helps you understand the company’s position in the market and shows that you’re not just focused on the company itself but also on the industry as a whole.
Why Knowing About Their Competitors is Useful
Competitor research can help you understand the challenges the company may face and how they’re trying to stand out in a crowded market. It also gives you a chance to ask insightful questions during the interview. For example, you could ask how the company differentiates itself from competitors or how they plan to stay ahead in the market.
Understanding the Company’s Position in the Market
By learning about competitors, you’ll get a sense of how the company stacks up. Are they leaders in their field? Or are they a growing player looking to take market share? Knowing this information allows you to speak more intelligently about the company’s strategy and its future.
Step 7: Prepare Questions Based on Your Research
After all this research, you’ll have a lot of valuable information to work with. Now it’s time to prepare some questions to ask during the interview.
Example Questions
- "I saw that the company recently launched [Product X]. How has that been received by customers so far?"
- "I noticed that the company is focused on sustainability. Could you tell me more about how that impacts daily operations?"
- "I’ve read that the company has grown significantly in the past few years. What are the key challenges you’re facing as a result of that growth?"
These questions show that you’ve taken the time to research the company and are genuinely interested in its success.
Benefits of Asking Thoughtful Questions
Asking smart, informed questions demonstrates that you’re engaged and that you’ve thought critically about the role and the company. It also gives you a chance to find out if this job and company are the right fit for you.
Properly researching a company before an interview can make all the difference. It shows the interviewer that you’re serious about the position and gives you the confidence to have a meaningful conversation. Follow these steps, and you’ll be well-prepared to tackle any interview with ease.
Additional Tips for Researching a Company Before Your Interview
Here are a few extra tips to help you take your research to the next level:
1. Check out the company’s blog
Many companies share valuable insights about their work, culture, and industry trends on their blog. It’s a great way to learn what they care about and stay updated on their latest news.
2. Look for recent job postings
By reviewing current job listings and job descriptions, you can understand what skills and experiences the company values. This gives you a good idea of what they’re looking for in an employee.
3. Follow the company’s leaders
Look at the social media profiles of key company leaders. It can give you a sense of their leadership style and values, helping you connect with them on a deeper level during the interview.
4. Look at employee reviews
Websites like Glassdoor or Indeed provide valuable feedback from current or former employees. While every company has its pros and cons, these reviews can offer a realistic view of what it’s like to work there.
5. Research their corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts
Many companies highlight their community involvement and sustainability efforts. If the company is passionate about a cause, you can connect with them by showing your interest in those areas.
These tips can give you even more context to nail your interview!
Final Thoughts
Researching a company before your interview is one of the smartest moves you can make. It helps you feel confident, prepared, and ready to make a great impression. By taking the time to learn about their mission, culture, and industry, you can ask thoughtful questions and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role.
