Are you invited for an interview? Great! And what do you know about the company you want to work for? Just what was in the job advertisement? You should change that as soon as possible and collect important company information. Because with specific company research you not only know what you are getting into. You can also ask more specifically during a conversation – and thus stand out from the competition.
The most important steps in company research:
The job advertisement sounds promising. The tasks seem to be tailored exactly to you, the requirement profile corresponds exactly to your abilities. But you’ve never heard of the company itself. It is all the more important that you now find out exactly who this potential new employer actually is. This is also possible without special sources. All you need to get important company information is a little time. And ideally a plan of how you want to proceed with the company research. We have compiled the most important steps for you here.
1. Start with the company’s website
Start with the company’s homepage. There is usually an “About Us” area in which the company presents itself. Read everything you can find there – from the history and the mission statement to the profiles of executives and employees. Make a note of the most important points and try to memorize the faces and names of those who may be relevant to your future work area. Then take a look at the company’s social media profiles. There you will usually find information on current events or developments.
2. Use external sources for an objective impression
The company’s self-portrayal on the internet should only be the starting point of your research. Now go one step further. Look for relevant articles in specialist publications and media mentions. Such contributions give you a more objective and multifaceted view of the potential new employer. This may give you information about the company’s economic situation, its corporate philosophy, any social commitment, and details about products, customers, and competitors.
When researching company information, sooner or later you inevitably end up on rating portals for employers such as kununu.com or glassdoor.de. The opinions of current and former employees naturally give an unvarnished insight into the day-to-day work of the company. But even that is to be enjoyed with caution: Keep in mind that dissatisfied employees comment on the Internet far more often than satisfied employees. Because: Many find it difficult to express criticism. Writing them anonymously on the web, however, is easy.
3. Focus on corporate culture
Does the corporate culture suit you? Answering this question is not always easy, but it is very important. Because even if the tasks are great: If you feel uncomfortable in the company, the most exciting job is not much fun. Therefore, find out whether a business look is mandatory or whether the employees maintain a certain style. Here, too, a look at the social media channels can be informative. Check the official accounts for pictures of internal events. And maybe also look at public profiles of tagged employees. Try to find out how important work-life balance is in the company. Is the company strictly hierarchical or are you dealing with a flat organizational structure?
4. Use your network for insider knowledge!
Scroll through your contacts and look for people who might know about the company of your choice. These do not necessarily have to contact who are employed there themselves or who were once. People who have business dealings with the company and therefore know a contact person there can often provide interesting information. Professional networks such as Xing or LinkedIn make it very easy to provide such connection paths to a specific company.
And while you are already there: Bring your own professional profile up to date. Because your potential new employer will almost certainly also take a look at your digital presence.
5. Contact a recruiter
A recruiter can provide you with important inside information when looking for a job because he knows the job market in your industry and knows what companies are looking for. Accordingly, he can place you as a promising candidate.
6. Organize an information meeting
Expand your knowledge by having a briefing with an insider before the interview. Look for people who have worked in the industry for several years. If you don’t know anyone, ask friends or acquaintances for help.
This gives you exclusive insights into the current industry situation and the role that the company plays there. Be absolutely transparent in your motivation!
7. Find out who is interviewing you
When inviting them to an interview, companies sometimes include the name of the person conducting the interview. Is that not the case with your invitation? Then be sure to find out by politely asking the company. Important: Make a note of the exact name and title.
When you have this information, start your research just as you already did with the company. For example, check in your professional networks whether you have common points of contact with your counterpart – be it work locations, schools, hobbies, or acquaintances. You can skillfully sprinkle this topic in the job interview. This brings you not only sympathy points but also a good topic of conversation.