Mastering Interview Research, a Guide to Success

Step 1: Researching the Organisation

Start with the Basics

Company Website:

• Start your interview research by exploring the "About Us" section to learn about the company’s mission, vision, and values
• Check the leadership team bio’s to understand their professional backgrounds and points of commonality
• Read press releases and blogs to stay updated on recent projects, partnerships, and milestones

Google Search:

• Use advanced search techniques to find specific company information, such as “Company Name + latest news” or “Company Name + partnerships”
• Set up Google Alerts to receive updates on company developments

Social Media:

• Follow the company on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter) for real-time updates
• Pay attention to tone, employee engagement, and brand positioning

Key Tools for Company Research

Linkedin

LinkedIn provides insights into company culture, values, and employee experiences. Follow the company page and review posts for a deeper understanding of their initiatives.

Glassdoor

Glassdoor offers employee reviews, salary insights, and an inside look at workplace culture.

Crunchbase

Crunchbase supplies a valuable resource for startups and growing businesses, providing details on funding history, key executives, and market presence.

Step 2: Understanding the Role

Job Description Analysis

Identify Performance Expectations

• Break down the job post to identify key responsibilities, required skills, and performance expectations
• Perform interview research to align your skills and experience with the role

Explore Industry Trends

• Look for broader trends affecting the industry
• Review competitor activities to understand the company’s market position

Investigate Hiring Trends

• Use job boards like SEEK to identify recurring skills or qualifications in similar roles
• Check LinkedIn to see if the role is newly created or has been vacated

Step 3: Researching Your Interviewers

Using LinkedIn for Interviewer Insights

• Look up your interviewers’ profiles to understand their backgrounds, career trajectories, and interests
• Find commonalities, such as shared connections, education, professional achievements or interests, to build rapport

Crafting Personalised Questions

• Use your interview research to tailor questions for the interview, such as, “I noticed you worked on [specific project]. Could you share insights about how this aligns with the company’s goals?”

Step 4: Leveraging Connections for Insights

Identify Helpful Connections

Networking can provide invaluable information about the company and the role. Look for:

• Sponsors: professionals who can introduce you to decision-makers
• Mentors: experts who can offer guidance on industry expectations or help refine your approach
• Informers: employees who can share information about the company’s culture or team dynamics

Networking Platforms and Techniques

LinkedIn:

• Use advanced search to find current or former employees in your target company
• Reach out with personalised connection requests, referencing something that ties you to that person

Informational Interviews:

• Request short conversations with industry professionals to gain firsthand insights into the role, team, and company culture

Step 5: Storing and Organising Your Research

Use a Centralised System

• Maintain a spreadsheet to track companies, contacts, interview dates, and follow-up actions
• Include columns for key insights, such as company values, interview panel members, and networking outcomes
• Save relevant job posts, company pages, and profiles for future reference

Step 6: Staying Updated

Monitor Industry Trends

• read industry reports and follow thought leaders on LinkedIn
• engage in discussions on professional platforms or attend virtual meetups

Stay Informed on Target Companies

• subscribe to newsletters or blogs from companies of interest
• regularly check Google Alerts for updates about your target organisations

Final Tips for Interview Success

1. Practice Personalisation:

Avoid generic outreach or interview responses. Tailor your approach to show genuine interest.

2. Prepare Thoughtful Questions

Use your interview research to craft questions that demonstrate your knowledge and curiosity.

3. Follow Up Professionally

After the interview, send a personalised thank-you note highlighting something specific from the conversation

By conducting thorough research, leveraging networking tools, and preparing strategically, you can approach your interviews with confidence and clarity. These efforts not only increase your chances of landing the job but also help you build meaningful, lasting professional relationships.

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