Do Your Research

Position, Organization, and Industry Knowledge

Depending on how familiar you are with the opportunity you have applied to, this may require a little more research or a lot more research!

There is never one perfect way to conduct research about the opportunity you are interviewing for, but if you scour the available resources you may be surprised by what you can find. Use these tips to research information about the opportunity for which you are interviewing. 

Review the Job Description

Specifically, look at the required skills and qualifications. How have you already showcased each qualification? How would you take the initiative to learn it, if necessary? 

Study the Organization’s Website

Research the organization’s mission, goals, strategic plan, growth, future direction, values, clients, and products or services. Dig deeper to find annual reports or recent press published on the website.

Search Online for More About the Organization

Most organizations have a social media presence; scroll through their recent posts to get a sense of their brand, company culture, and communication that they convey. Larger organizations may have appeared in the news recently, so it can be worthwhile to conduct a Google News search with the organization’s name. You may also be able to find reviews about the organization from clients or past employees via websites like Yelp or Glassdoor or Handshake.

Research Hot Industry Topics

Industries constantly evolve with new technological innovations, policy changes, and startup competition. Browse Career Resources to learn about many of these topics (see below for IBISWorld). Look through relevant professional association websites, LinkedIn groups, or professionals’ LinkedIn posts to understand a few issues currently impacting this industry. You may even try a chatbot request using one that reads current news, such as ChatGPT 4.0, to identify relevant resources with trustworthy information, for example, "What are the hot industry topics in rental company software?"

See More in IBISWorld

Talk to Relevant Peers or Professionals

In some instances, there may be enough time to set up a brief conversation with someone who has knowledge about the industry or organization you are applying within. This can be a delicate and time-sensitive situation, but with advanced planning and professional etiquette, you can gain valuable insider information. 

Self-Knowledge

You may think that you already know yourself pretty well, however, when asked about past experiences, it can be challenging to remember all of the necessary details. Review your resume and be prepared to discuss the following topics, as related to the position: 

• What led you to choose your field/major/discipline, and what you have gained from it
• Specific courses or course projects that have prepared you well
• Responsibilities and accomplishments from your past experiences
• Transferable skills and knowledge that may be useful