Interview Prep: Know the Company

Interview Prep: Know the Company

Interview Preparation Tips

Recruiters and hiring managers expect a candidate to know a good amount about their company and their industry when the candidate comes in for the interview. If a candidate asks basic questions about a company in an interview, it shows lack of preparation.

It can also present the perception that a candidate does not have a high level of interest in working at that company. The information candidates garner in pre-interview research will help candidates come up with smart questions that not only impress the hiring manager but will also aid the candidate in deciding if this is the right place for his/her next job.

There are many useful online research tools available: the company website, press releases, earnings reports, LinkedIn, Google News, company prospectuses and employer review sites such as Glassdoor and Google. Simply typing a company name in Google can lead to lots of valuable information about a company.

So what specifically should you identify about a company before you interview?

• What are their products, services, and industry?
• Who do they sell to or provide services to?
• Who do they compete with?
• Where are their facilities and offices located?
• Who owns the company?
• Are they private or public?
• If public, how are their earnings?
• What are the challenges they and companies in their industry are facing?
• How many employees work there?
• How do their employees describe the company?
• What benefits do they offer? (if published on the website)
• How do current employees in the role you are applying to describe their position on LinkedIn?
• How do hiring managers at the company review their employees? This could give you some indication as to the attributes hiring managers like to see in their employees.

The job seeker should make sure they are familiar with every aspect of a company’s website. The more company research a candidate does, the more they will be perceived as intelligent, interested and on-the-ball by the hiring company. Benjamin Franklin famously said, “the investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” Those words could not be more applicable when describing the importance of preparing for an interview!

What to Wear?

What to Wear?

 

Dress to Impress

Interview Rule #1: Many say ‘dress for the job you want’, but also you should ‘dress for the company’. Best tip: Inquire with your staffing manager on the company’s dress code. Always remember: An interview is one of the most important first impressions you will make!

Business Professional:

Men:

  • A business suit in solid colors, preferably black, grey, or navy blue
  • Tie
  • Long-sleeved shirt; color coordinated with your suit
  • Dark socks with leather shoes; again, coordinated with your suit
  • Leather belt
  • Neat, trimmed hairstyle
  • Briefcase

Women:

  • Business pantsuit in solid colors, preferably black, grey, or navy blue
  • If interviewing in warmer weather, some women may opt for wearing a business suit with a skirt, as opposed to pants. If choosing the skirt route, ensure the skirt is at least knee-length
  • A blouse that coordinates with a business suit
  • Subtle/conservative footwear; some women prefer to throw on some heels for this important occasion
  • For jewelry – less is better
  • Light on the makeup and perfume
  • Neat hairstyle
  • Briefcase or office-appropriate bag

Business Casual:

Men:

  • Khaki pants or black slacks
  • Cotton long-sleeved, preferably with buttons or short-sleeved polo shirt
  • Sweaters are okay, too
  • Leather shoes
  • Tie optional

Women:

  • Khaki-colored pants or black slacks
  • Dress skirts (still at knee length or longer here!)
  • Sweaters or blouses
  • Heels, flats or other conservative-style shoes

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Important Tips

  • Wash and iron your clothes
  • Avoid loud colors
  • Take out piercings (an earring on each ear is okay)
  • Cover up any visible tattoos
  • Women – keep it light and casual on the makeup
  • Men – show up cleanly shaven

What Not to Wear – Men & Women

  • T-shirts
  • Jeans
  • Ripped clothing
  • Sneakers or flip-flop sandals
  • Shorts
  • Short skirts
  • Low-cut shirts
  • Any piece of clothing that reveals too much skin
  • Clothing that reveals tattoos/body piercings
  • Low-rise or tight pants
  • Clothing that reveals undergarments

 

Did You Know?
Some say blue clothing radiates confidence and trust – Need extra confidence on interview day? Cue the blue!