By now, if you’ve been reading my blog, you know that I believe that one of the most important contributors to your job-hunting success is pre-interview preparation. Part of this preparation involves research – learning as much about the company as possible. Another important part is self-reflection – getting clarity about your objectives considering your skillsets and interests.
I read a recent article that listed the top types of information that job seekers research about their targeted companies. A majority (75%) of job hunters assessed company reputation and brand before applying for a position (Business2Community). A separate survey ranked salary at the top of job seeker concerns with 67% and benefits close behind at 63% (Glassdoor). This is not surprising – your compensation package which includes salary and benefits is important. Beyond compensation, job seekers looked for information related to company culture, seeking details about how company management interacts with employees. Specifically, 58% look for regular and clear communications, and 53% look for clear expectations coming from management.
Most of this information is readily apparent, particularly for non-employees, but here are some suggestions I have for what you can do to assess these areas:
Company reputation:
A simple Google search will yield recent articles about your target company. News Articles, press releases, reviews, and web pages will show up when you search. You can also search social media sites for company pages or mentions of the company in social posts. Consider whether the information that you’re seeing is positive. Are there issues that make you uncomfortable? You can imagine that a job seeker might be interested in how a business is perceived by the community – whether they are engaged with the local community, whether they give back to the community, and whether the company has embraced sustainability.
Compensation:
You can use sources such as Glassdoor to obtain information on compensation packages. You might even be able to network with your college alumni who might be working in the business. If you can, evaluate whether the company’s compensation is comparable to its competitors. You may find there are differences in compensation that are driven by the part of the country you are in. If you work in a lower-cost area, wages may be lower, but your purchasing power would be comparable to someone taking a similar role in another part of the country where wages and living expenses are higher.
Company Culture:
You can use sources such as the company’s website and websites such as Glassdoor and LinkedIn to obtain information about company culture. On the company website, look for information such as the company’s vision, mission, and values to get a sense of how the business communicates about itself. You’ll gain some insight into the company’s priorities. On sites such as Glassdoor, you may be able to find out what current and former employees think about the company. On LinkedIn, you can view the company’s page, but you also may be able to find employees who are posting as well. You’ll want to get a sense of whether management is engaged with the workforce, whether they feel connected to the mission and vision of the companies, whether they see the company as a place to advance their career, and whether they’d recommend the company as a place to work.
Remember no company is perfect. You may find that there is a mix of information, both positive and negative. You’ll have to weigh your findings to determine how well the company fits your needs. Ultimately, you’ll be looking for alignment between what you’ve learned and your personal goals. The stronger the alignment, the greater the likelihood you’ll be successful if you win the position.
I love working with prospective or recent graduates who want coaching to handle the interview process and perform well in an interview. If this sounds like you (or someone you know) I’d love to talk. Initial consultations are complementary. Reach out to me at kerrie@commandtheinterview.com.