Why Knowing the Company Before the Interview Is Important
Finding a job is challenging at any time, but in today’s market you need all of the advantages you can get. One way to get a leg up on the competition is to research the company that you’ll be talking with. Spend an hour or two online and reap all kinds of rewards.
Investing a little time learning about the company you’re about to ask for a job is important for several reasons.
- It shows you care.
Taking the time to research the company you’re interviewing with sends the message that you care enough about getting this job to get some background on the company. Prospective employers can also interpret this as having initiative, a trait that might just snag you the job. - You can tell if the job is right for you.
Not every job is going to be a good fit for you. Learning a little bit about the company in advance of the interview can help you know the right questions to ask to help you make that decision. Maybe the company’s main office is located too far away from your home? Maybe the company requires its accountants/salespeople/graphic designers to travel overnight? Things that are acceptable to one person may be a “deal-breaker” to another. - It sets you apart from the competition.
Doing a little research about the company you’re interviewing can also give you an advantage over your competition. Taking the extra time shows that you care about the company and about getting a job.
So, don’t just rush from one interview to the next without taking the time to learn what makes each company you’ll be talking with special. That extra hour or two of research could very well land you the job of your dreams.
