Researching the organisation
A number of popular interview questions are designed to probe and assess your knowledge of the organisation to which you are applying. An interviewer will expect you to have done your homework. If you’re unprepared and unable to adequately answer these questions, then it’s going to be a big black mark on your application.
Just as a lack of knowledge of the job in question will count against you, a lack of knowledge of the organisation will betray a lack of effort on your part. How can a recruiter be sure you really want this job, and that you’re really the right candidate for the job if you know so little about the organisation?
BLOOPER!
A candidate, upon being asked what he could bring to the company, responded with ‘What is it that you do again?’
Researching the organisation
Try to find out as much as you can about your prospective employer. The more information you have at your fingertips the better.
The Internet is an excellent research tool. Most organisations will have websites where you can read all about their history, structure, products/services etc. Some will even list biographical details of key employees, maintain archives of press releases, provide downloadable financial accounts etc. In the space of half an hour you should be able to brief yourself thoroughly.
If your prospective employer has premises that are open to the public, for example, a branch on the high street, then it may be worth your while taking the time to drop by and have a closer look. If you’re applying to work for a major retail chain and you haven’t even set foot inside one of its shops, then I’m sure you can see how that might be a problem. If an interviewer asks you about their shops and you have to confess you’ve never visited one, then it’ll not only be embarrassing, it’ll be extremely damaging to your chances.
Broader background research
Besides researching the organisation itself, you should also try to understand the environment in which it operates. Again, the Internet is a valuable resource, as are specialist trade journals, which can also yield a wealth of useful information.
- What industry or sector does the organisation operate within?
- How is this industry or sector currently evolving?
- Who are the main players within the industry or sector?
How to use this information
If you’ve made an effort to research both the organisation and the environment in which it operates, then you will immediately have a head start on other candidates, and you haven’t even got anywhere near the interview room. Feels good, doesn’t it?
Too many candidates at interview know little or nothing about the organisation they are applying to. By demonstrating that you have done at least some preliminary research into the organisation, you underline your interest, enthusiasm and motivation.
STATISTIC
Approximately 80 per cent of candidates at interview will have conducted no research whatsoever.
When planning and preparing your answers to potential interview questions, you should try to weave in little snippets of information about the organisation. Show the interviewer that you know what you’re talking about. It’s bound to impress them.
Being properly briefed will also help you to feel much more confident in yourself. Fear of the unknown is powerful. The more you know about your prospective employer, the less nervous you’ll be when you turn up on the doorstep.
Questions to ask yourself
For your own benefit, you will also want answers to the following kinds of question:
- What does this organisation have to offer me?
- Are they the right employer for me?
- Will there be sufficient opportunities for career progression?
Thoroughly researching the organisation prior to your interview will give you the answers to some of these questions and you can fill in any blanks during the interview itself.