Research: Why You Need to Conduct It Before Interviews
Securing an interview is inherently exciting, as it shows the hiring manager sees the value you bring to the table based on your resume. Cementing that initial impression is a must if you’re going to move forward in the hiring process. Fortunately, by conducting additional research before your interview, you pave the way for a strong performance. Gathering the proper information about the company and the position benefits you in several ways. If you’re wondering why you need to conduct research before interviews, here are several reasons outlining why it’s essential.
Identifying High-Priority Hard and Soft Skills to Discuss
When you research the job in greater depth, you gain a better understanding of what’s needed to handle the associated responsibilities. Additionally, based on the information in job descriptions, you discover a lot about the hiring manager’s priorities.
By gathering that information, it’s far easier to create interview answers to practice that speak to the hiring manager’s needs. You can explicitly reference the desired hard and soft skills in your responses and showcase your capabilities by focusing on relevant examples. In turn, you’ll position yourself as a stronger candidate.
Learning About the Culture, Mission, and Values
Companies have unique cultures, missions, and values. During the interview process, the hiring manager isn’t just assessing your technical prowess; they’re also determining if your attitude, perspective, mindset, and priorities align with the organization.
By researching the culture, you understand more about what being in the workplace is like if you land the role. As a result, you can incorporate details in your interview answers that show you’ll mesh quickly.
The same is true when it comes to the company’s mission and values. Mentioning how there’s alignment between your own perspective and priorities and the company’s highlights your ability to blend with the broader culture. Plus, you can show that the mission and values are personally motivating, which could help you stand out from other candidates.
Gathering Details About Products or Services
Hiring managers need to ensure that any hired candidate is capable of assisting the company with reaching goals relating to its products and services. As a result, they’ll typically ask questions geared toward the organization’s offering specifically.
Additionally, some hiring managers ask questions about products and services to determine if the job seeker took the time to review them. Those that didn’t are often viewed as disinterested or lazy, while those that can answer the questions well come across as engaged and passionate about the opportunity.
Generally, you don’t need to learn all of the ins and outs of the company’s products and services. A reasonable understanding of its product category and core lines - along with why customers turn to the company’s offerings - is typically sufficient. However, if you can offer more than that in your answers, it definitely doesn’t hurt.
Looking for Help Finding Your Next Career Opportunity?
Ultimately, conducting research before an interview is a smart decision, allowing you to prepare more compelling and thorough answers to the questions the hiring manager will ask. If you’d like to learn more or are seeking out new opportunities, Riverway Business Services wants to hear from you. Search our available jobs or contact our recruiters to get started today.