Let me be the one to break this to you: this ain’t your momma’s job market. Your parents lived in a mailroom-to-boardroom job market. No more.
Fast forward to today and U.S. workers hold their jobs for approximately 4.4 years on average. Those born in the latter part of the Baby Boom era worked an average of 11.7 jobs from 18 to 48. Quite the shift.
This much we know: the job market today is mobile. That being said, you won’t see many (read: any) job postings that read, “Calling all flakes.” Employers still want to hire committed employees. So, the question becomes, how do you prove you’re a worthy applicant in an interview?
I got an interview! … Now what?
Research. That’s what. In today’s competitive job market, extensive knowledge of a company’s principles, goals and needs can make all the difference in the hiring decision.
Too many times, I’ve conducted interviews where the interviewee has failed to answer my first question: “What have you learned about our company since you saw the job posting and applied?”
Take this cringe-worthy (real life) example of an interviewee response:
Interviewee: “Oh, you guys build web sites and you sell stuff.”
Me: “Yeah, but which of our sites caught your eye?”
Interviewee: “Ummmm… Oh! Your homepage!”
Me: …
For those keeping score at home, that’s the wrong answer. Thus far in the interview, I’ve learned that the interviewee did not prepare. Yikes. After that response, I’m trying to figure out how quickly I can finish up this interview and go home.
Research, however, isn’t easy. That’s why it will set you apart. I’m always impressed by people who have done their homework, and know what our products, customers and competition. This shows a willingness to commit, and respect for me as the interviewer.
More than that, though, it gives you an edge. You can find why they are hiring. Are they looking to replace someone, or are they expanding? Just as often, companies hire to solve a problem. Find out what that problem is and you can frame yourself as the solution.
Beyond the home page
Besides Google, LinkedIn, Facebook and, of course, their home page (all of which you should absolutely look at) there are other not-so-obvious places you should go.
If there are consumer products involved, be sure to check out the Better Business Bureau, the Consumer Products Safety Commission or TrustPilot. Or, if possible, interact with the company’s product first-hand. For public corporations, be sure to check out their financial disclosure statements. For non-profits, check out their IRS Form 990, or visitFoundationCenter.org. The CDC and FDA are good resources for pharmaceutical companies.
Oh, and one more thing. Google yourself! It’s just as important to know what good (and not-so-good) information about you is available online. You can bet the recruiter will do this, so make sure you have a chance to take down those questionable photos from freshman year before they do so.
The Must Know Interview Checklist
I understand, of course, that it’s impossible for you to know all of the little — and secret — in’s and out’s of a company, but you need to know the basics, or it will be a very short interview. Here’s what you need to know before you step into any interview.
- Mission possible
You need to know the company’s stated mission and goals. Skills are easy to come by. But, many, many, many more recruiters are more interested in finding a cultural fit. Prove that you’re the Cinderella fit they’ve been looking for. - Who, what, why
Who are the customers, what are the products or services. Knowing these basic facts about a company will not only impress your interviewer, they will also help you answer the question of why you’re a good fit for the company. - Know the key players
Know the key players of the company — the managers, board and executives — like you know your fantasy football roster. Knowing this will give you insight into the company’s strategy and business plan. And, who knows, you might interview with one of them. - Everyone’s a critic
And you should be, too. Know what the company does well. And what they don’t do so well. Be prepared to talk about whether you think their website is easy to use or what the company can do to compete with similar companies. Check out any press releases from the company and any news articles that mention them by name.
Preparing for an interview serves two functions: saving you from embarrassing yourself and helping you frame insightful questions for the interviewer. The purpose of all this is to show commitment (and passion!) for the company and the position. You will be able to weave the information you gather into a story, demonstrating how you are the solution to the company’s problem.
I wrote this piece as a freelance writer for Influence & Co. for Michael Gleason at Consumer Brands. It appears on CareerCast.