Whether the research leg of the job search process is deemed exciting or intimidating, it must be done. In her article, “A New Model for Your Job Search – Part 5: Research,” Fredia Woolf points out that while the internet makes this process easier than ever, it also can feel so overwhelming that job seekers are “intimidated into inaction.” On the flip side, she points out that research needs to result in substance rather than busy work where job seekers might be “lulled into thinking they are conducting actual research when they are, in fact, only passively scanning and posting their resumes to job boards hoping someone will come and find them.”

Research is the best way to be as prepared as possible for your interview. Maximize your interview time by avoiding questions you could have already found out from an internet scan. Research provides a context for your answers as well as for your questions. Therefore, there are things you need to look for and know before interviewing. In addition to Woolf’s examination and breakdown of the research process, “The Ultimate Guide To Researching A Company Pre-Interview” from Lily Zhang has some excellent direction.

Besides knowing the basics about a company, familiarize yourself with its values and mission. Zhang points you to the “About Us” sections of company web pages to find this information. Also on the company website can be information about its financials; check that information out while you’re there to get a feel for where it stands, where it’s going or what concerns there might be.

Beyond what is reported on the company website, outside research will serve you well. Zhang’s article suggests performing the same kind of due diligence as is likely being done on you, namely, Googling and pursuing social media accounts. From there, find out the kinds of interactions the company performs and values which will not only help give you a sense of its culture, but it will also provide specific, timely information to bring up or ask about in an interview. Don’t stop with the internet, though; finding someone who previously worked or currently works in the company can be a goldmine of information and context for your interview.

Finally, Zhang reminds job seekers to research the field as a whole. Doing so helps you understand the competition as well as where the company you seek to work stacks up to it. This is, again, another area of information to use for specific context when working to communicate the kind of value you can bring to the organization.

The job search process has many prongs; be sure the research aspect gets the attention it deserves so as to present yourself as a qualified, competent and informed candidate!

Woolf, Fredia. “A New Model for Your Job Search – Part 5: Research.” ExecSearches.com. ExecSearches.com. 1999. Web. (7 Jan. 2016)

Zhang, Lily. “The Ultimate Guide To Researching A Company Pre-Interview.” Forbes.com. Forbes Media LLC. 2016. Web. (6 Jan. 2016)

Nancy Stoker is a Senior Client Services Representative and Research Associate with ExecSearches.com.

Last updated on January 12th, 2016 at 02:05 pm