Everyone knows employers do their "homework" on potential employees; checking references, past employment, school history, etc. What some interviewees forget is that it is imperative to do their homework on the companies. You never know when you might be tested!
Yes, typically employers open up with "Let me tell you a little about us". That doesn't mean you will know the whole company story in those brief minutes. It is important to do your own research because usually your questions are to follow. If you pass up the opportunity it could send the wrong message. You WANT to appear interested in the company and questions are the way to do so!
"What do you like about our company," is big down fall question, as well, for those who haven't done their research. Making something up would be easy, right? Wrong! Employers know their company and they know when you're making something up. Answers about the company mission, work atmosphere, specific clientele, etc. are the best and cannot be made up on the spot.
With all the information available on the internet, such as companies' social media and homepage websites, gathering information is much easier. For example on the company site, they give visitors everything they want to be known about the company. One sites like Twitter, Facebook, and Linkedin you can find other peoples' opinions and articles that the company has been featured in or are interested in. This enables you to form a more rounded opinion prior to the interview.
Names is another highly overlooked piece of research! The most important names to know are your interviewer(s), potential supervisors, important colleagues, etc., and especially how to pronounce them. You want to be prepared for every interview situation.
Remember, there is no such thing as too much information!
Yes, typically employers open up with "Let me tell you a little about us". That doesn't mean you will know the whole company story in those brief minutes. It is important to do your own research because usually your questions are to follow. If you pass up the opportunity it could send the wrong message. You WANT to appear interested in the company and questions are the way to do so!
"What do you like about our company," is big down fall question, as well, for those who haven't done their research. Making something up would be easy, right? Wrong! Employers know their company and they know when you're making something up. Answers about the company mission, work atmosphere, specific clientele, etc. are the best and cannot be made up on the spot.
With all the information available on the internet, such as companies' social media and homepage websites, gathering information is much easier. For example on the company site, they give visitors everything they want to be known about the company. One sites like Twitter, Facebook, and Linkedin you can find other peoples' opinions and articles that the company has been featured in or are interested in. This enables you to form a more rounded opinion prior to the interview.
Names is another highly overlooked piece of research! The most important names to know are your interviewer(s), potential supervisors, important colleagues, etc., and especially how to pronounce them. You want to be prepared for every interview situation.
Remember, there is no such thing as too much information!
No comments:
Post a Comment