The following post is courtesy of the Recruiting Blogswap:
From: Christina Archer
You've submitted your resume to a prospective employer, and they've called you to schedule a face to face meeting. This is what you've been waiting for! Being prepared for your interview, and armed with information to ensure you stand out from your peers is an essential goal. Performing research in advance of the meeting is the most effective and efficient means to achieving this objective, and landing the job.
Here are the top five tips to help any job seeker uncover information about a potential employer.
1. Google the organization's name.
Browse the results, looking specifically for unique data that is not widely known. Don't just look at the links that pop up on the first page of the search engine. For example, look at the results on page 8, 15, 24, etc.
2. Write down questions to ask your interviewer, based on your research.
You're performing deep internet research on this company. As you find rare facts, create a list of probing questions you can ask your interviewer. The purpose of this meeting is to determine whether the position is a good fit for the company and YOU. This not only sets you apart from your competition for the job, but lets the hiring authority know you've done your due diligence.
3. Read every word of the Employer's Website.
This is the information the hiring manager expects you to know. When he or she asks, "Tell me what brings you to ABC Company," you can provide a well-researched, educated answer.
4. Look at recent press releases on the organization.
You need to know what makes this company tick, and press releases are very revealing. For example, "ABC Company is proud to donate $1 million dollars to the Earthquake Recovery efforts in Haiti." Why not mention your awareness of the company's donation during the interview, and show your interview prowess? Press releases give excellent insight in to the heart and soul of any company.
5. Research the interviewer by name.
Utilize Google, LinkedIn, as well as other search engines and social networks to get the scoop on the person you will be meeting with. This gives you an opportunity to connect with the hiring manager on a more personal level, and will serve to differentiate you from other candidates being interviewed for the same position.
Regardless of where you stand in your job search process, it's never to late to begin implementing a successful research strategy, as a means to having a stellar interview performance. You know the old saying, "no one plans to fail......they simply fail to plan."
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