Jobseekers: Research before your interview

Jobseekers, there’s really no excuse: Research before your interview

Researching a company before your job interview isn’t about standing out anymore. According to recruiting experts Hays in New Zealand it’s about keeping up and staying on the shortlist.

“Not so long ago job seekers who wanted to stand out in an interview were advised to research the company and interviewer,” said Jason Walker, Managing Director of Hays in New Zealand. “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,” he said.

Hays warns job seekers against thinking they can bluff their way through an interview. “Interviewers know when you’ve failed to do your research,” says Jason. “It’s there for all to see in answers that are not personalised or in the 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? Hays shares this advice:

• 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,” said Jason. “For example, its website may emphasise its meritocracy in which case you could share examples of how you were promoted for consistently exceeding your objectives. If it emphasises teamwork, you should share examples that show you work well in a team.

“You should come to understand the organisation’s products or services and its objectives. Find out which organisations are its main competitors and see if you can gain an understanding of what challenges the organisation is currently facing.

“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.

“And you’ll also be able to note interesting points you can ask about in the interview,” he said.

A word of warning

But while you want to use your research to inform your answers don’t overdo it. “It’s perfectly acceptable to tell an interviewer you read about their recent product launch and thought it was done very well, but don’t start telling them what they could have done better,” says Jason. “Critiquing the organisation won’t go down well in an interview!

“Instead, 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,” he said.

Hays, the world’s leading recruiting experts in qualified, professional and skilled people.

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