What are the reasons for doing company research before an interview?
- To be prepared to answer the interviewer’s question, “What do you know about our company?”
Ask meaningful questions about the company during the interview- Ascertain if the company would be a good fit for your personality, skill set and career goals. This would be accomplished by looking at the company’s products and services, corporate stability, goals, culture, and hiring practices
- Scope out specific areas of the company in which your talents and interests could fill an unmet hiring need
What are the reasons for doing company research once you have been hired or have started your own company?
- To help anticipate what competitors will do next
- Identify business and industry trends
- Become aware of company and industry best practices in any area from production to HR practices
- Identify and vet companies in your supply chain
- Monitor supplier strength in an ongoing manner
- Locate and gain background information for possible partnerships and /or M&A activities
- Ascertain your company’s ranking within an industry segment
- Become knowledgeable about new products and services entering the market
- Better understand the companies who purchase your company’s goods and services
Throughout your career, you will always have a need for company research!
