Interview Preparation: Perform Background Research to Set Yourself Apart

You’ve just received the invite to interview for your dream job. After the initial excitement winds down, many executives and professionals have a sense of impending dread. Do you feel confidence that you can ace the interview? What steps would you take for interview preparation? It’s normal for people to feel overconfident about their overall interviewing ability, skills, and background. This can lead to having an underwhelming interview with long awkward pauses that don’t lead to job offers.

We frequently ask our business clients what they would like to see improve on the candidate’s end when interviewing or recruiting. What is surprising is that most want candidates to take the time to complete background research on the company and inform themselves of the industry. This is interesting because many jobs on the market are research-focused or require the ability to perform substantive analysis. So why are candidates not bringing that same skillset to the interviewing process? It’s highly possible that many professionals don’t know what they should be researching beyond the basics. Here are some of the critical areas to explore during interview preparation.

Company/Organization

Gathering background information on the organization you’re applying to is what most people think of when it comes to interview preparation. How long has the company been around? What are their primary services and products? Who are their main competitors in the market? What significant changes have the company gone through over the past few years? Being up to date on the organization will set you apart from a large percentage of other jobseekers.

Industry & Market

You can take your research further by diving into the facts and details of what’s happening in the organization’s market and industry. Have there been any new laws put in effect or regulatory changes? How do they stack up amongst their competition? Are they a leader in their industry? If you can address how the organization relates to the market and industry, your interviewer will know that you have a serious interest in the position. Asking follow-up questions about the company’s standing in the industry also shows that you can be a big picture thinker.

Current Events

What current events are going on that could affect the company’s success? Are there any international news reports that might influence the revenue or productivity of the company? Being aware of what’s going on globally and nationally shows you as a serious professional who can exercise critical thinking about the organization. Inquiring about how a current event may affect the company displays a deeper level of understanding about the business.

Your Unique Value Proposition

Now that you’ve completed all of this fact-hunting putting it together in a way to support your candidacy for the job is ideal. Knowing all that you have found out about the organization, how are you the best, most qualified person for the job? Are your investigative and research skills outstanding? Have you been successful during changing times? What is different about you from the other candidates being considered? Focus on the unique value you would bring to the position that supports your understanding of the company’s position in the industry.

According to conversations with our business clients, they would like to see more candidates complete background research on the company and inform themselves of the industry. There is a wealth of information, including news and online profiles on different listings and websites. Finding data on the company that you’re applying for and their market and industry is essential. Assessing current events that might influence the organization’s strategy and operations is also beneficial. Finally, taking what you’ve learned and developing your unique value proposition for the position can leave a lasting impression on your interviewer. What is one area you’d like to investigate and research before your upcoming job interview?

 

Fly High Coaching can help you soar to your full potential and find your dream job! We offer executive & professional development coach services, interview preparation, and resume makeovers to support your success. Contact us today to get started with our expert career coaches. Check out our Land Your Dream Job 101 course for more information on how you can elevate into a new position.