We always say that there are 3 main things an interviewer is looking for during an interview:

  • Can you do the job?
  • Can you do the job here?
  • Do I like you?

All the research shows that there is zero correlation between how someone performs in an interview and their success in the role, you could also presume the reverse statistic is also true, how a company sounds in an interview potentially has zero correlation to what it is actually like in reality.

To help both parties make the right decision, it’s crucial to be well-prepared by researching several key areas. Here are the five essential things you need to research:

 

Company Overview:

The internet is a great source of information, a lot of information about the organisation including company reports etc. is freely available.  LinkedIn itself can provide a lot of information.

  • Mission and Values: Understand the company’s mission, values, and culture. This will help you align your answers with what the company stands for.
  • Products and Services: Know what the company offers, their main products or services, and any recent developments or launches.
  • Industry Position: Research how the company is positioned within its industry, its competitors, and its market share.

 

Role Specifics:

This information can be gained from the recruiter or by calling the company hiring person.  You may also find out some more information online, looking at similar roles in the company or the profile of people currently doing that role.

  • Job Description: Go through the job description in detail to understand the key responsibilities and required skills. Tailor your experiences and skills to match these requirements.
  • Team Structure: Try to find out about the team you’ll be working with, including the team size, structure, and the role of your potential manager.

 

Recent News and Updates:

Reaching out to friends in industry or contacts you may have can provide you with valuable information.  Once again, the internet is a valuable source of information.

  • Company News: Look for recent news articles, press releases, or blog posts about the company. This could include financial results, new product launches, or notable achievements.
  • Industry Trends: Stay updated on the latest trends and developments in the industry the company operates in. This will show that you are proactive and have a broader understanding of the business environment.

 

Interviewers:

Don’t feel bad about investigating people on the internet through LinkedIn etc. you can be sure they are doing it on you.  If people put information into the public domain, it is for the purpose of informing others, you can use this to help your research.  You’re looking for commonality and possible previous links, this can warm a conversation very quickly.

  • Background and Roles: Research the backgrounds of the interviewers if their names are provided beforehand. This can help you find common ground and tailor your questions to their areas of expertise.
  • LinkedIn Profiles: Reviewing their LinkedIn profiles can provide insights into their professional history and interests.

 

Preparation for Common and Behavioural Questions:

This is the most common type of interview format, the key is to talk about your previous experience in terms of achievement and outcomes rather than activities.  Using the STAR or SOAR (Situation, Target of Objective, Actions, Results) format is a great way to clearly articulate your suitability and experience.  The only predictor of your future success is your past achievements.  Remember the interviewer will always hire the lowest risk candidate, it is up to you to mitigate any risk for them.

  • Common Questions: Be prepared to answer common interview questions like “Tell me about yourself,” “Why do you want to work here?” and “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”
  • Behavioural Questions: Prepare for behavioural questions using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method. Think of examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your skills and accomplishments relevant to the job.

These research areas will help you come across as knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and well-prepared, significantly boosting your chances of success in the interview.