Research Your Top 3 Target Companies in Interview Depth
There is a meaningful difference between the research you do when applying to a company and the research you do when preparing for an interview with them. Application research tells you enough to write a compelling cover letter. Interview research tells you enough to have a genuine, specific, and impressive conversation about the company, its challenges, its direction, and why you are the right person to contribute to it.
There is a meaningful difference between the research you do when applying to a company and the research you do when preparing for an interview with them. Application research tells you enough to write a compelling cover letter. Interview research tells you enough to have a genuine, specific, and impressive conversation about the company, its challenges, its direction, and why you are the right person to contribute to it.
Pick the 3 companies you are most actively pursuing right now. Open a blank document to take notes as you research.
Step by Step
Read everything on their website Go beyond the About page. Read their blog, their press releases, their product pages, and anything they publish publicly. Look for their stated mission, their values, and any specific language they use to describe their culture and priorities. Note any phrases or themes that come up repeatedly because these are the things that matter most to them.
Research their recent news Search "[Company name] news [current year]" and read the top results. Look for recent product launches, funding rounds, acquisitions, leadership changes, expansions, or challenges. This gives you current and specific talking points that demonstrate genuine interest.
Read their Glassdoor reviews Look at recent reviews from current and former employees. Note recurring themes about the culture, management style, and what employees value most. Also note any consistent criticisms. This helps you assess genuine fit and ask better questions in interviews.
Research their competitors Understanding who a company competes with and how they differentiate themselves shows a level of business understanding that most candidates do not demonstrate. Search "[Company name] competitors" and read a few comparison articles.
Look at what their leadership team is posting on LinkedIn The CEO, founders, and department heads often share their thinking publicly on LinkedIn. Reading their posts gives you insight into the company's priorities and culture from the inside.
Write 3 specific reasons why you want to work there These should be genuine and specific, not generic. "I admire your company culture" is not specific. "I read about your recent expansion into [market] and the approach your team took to [specific thing] is exactly the kind of problem-solving environment I thrive in" is specific.
Tips for success
The level of company research you do signals to interviewers how seriously you want the role. Candidates who clearly did their homework stand out immediately.
Keep your notes organized by company so you can reference them quickly before an interview.
Set up Google Alerts for each of your top 3 companies so you receive immediate notification of any news during your job search.