Stand Out in Your Job Interview with These Research Strategies

Most candidates walk into interviews knowing only the basics about a company with research limited to checking the company website “About Us” page. If you are looking to stand out as a candidate, dig a bit deeper and use this research to show the interviewer you’re not just looking for any job—you’re looking for this job.

Why research?

Before delving into specific strategies to research the company, let’s look at why researching a company is a valuable use of your job interview preparation time.

Researching the company is valuable for four key reasons:

1. It Makes You Stand Out

When you tailor your answers to the company’s specific goals, values, or challenges, it shows you’re invested. It tells the interviewer, "I don’t just want any job; I want this job." That level of detail and preparation makes you memorable.

2. It Helps You Evaluate the Company

Interviews aren’t just about the interviewer choosing you; it’s also about you choosing the team and the company. Does the company’s mission align with your values? Are there any major challenges for the company that could impact your ability to succeed in the role? For example, I always look at an organisation’s stated values to see if they resonate with me, and check the financial performance and forecasts to see whether the company is growing.

3. You Can Ask Better Questions

Asking insightful questions at the end of the interview is another way to stand out. Thoughtful questions show you’ve done your homework and genuinely care about understanding their business.

4. It Smooths Your Onboarding

If you get the job, the research you’ve already done will give you a head start in understanding the organisation’s culture, goals, and structure, making your first few weeks much easier.

Now that you know why research matters, let’s look at strategies for how to do it effectively.

Essential Research Steps

There are three essential steps I cover when researching for a job interview:

1. Start with the Company Website

But go beyond the "About Us" page. Look at their most recent annual report and strategy documents to understand key priorities and challenges. Review the company values, organisational chart, and media releases. These will give you a picture of their goals and priorities, and insight into company culture.

2. Google Search for News

Search for recent news about the company, its CEO, and the industry. This helps you understand their current challenges, achievements, or trends they’re navigating.

3. Leverage LinkedIn

Check the company’s LinkedIn page for updates and look at profiles of employees who work there. If someone in your network is connected, reach out for insights. A personal perspective can be incredibly valuable.

Advanced Research Strategies

If you are looking to go the extra mile, there are four advanced research strategies that I also use:

1. Use AI Tools

AI can help you summarise information, provide industry insights or answer specific questions about the company. Just make sure you ask for sources so you can verify the information yourself.

2. Explore Industry Associations

Check if there’s an industry association for the company’s sector. Their media releases or policy statements can give you broader context about the industry.

3. Investigate policies and regulations

For sectors with government involvement like energy, utilities, health, or infrastructure review the websites of the relevant government departments and regulators for insights into the latest policies or regulations relevant to the company. For example, if a recent policy introduces stricter sustainability targets, you can mention this as part of your analysis of the company’s future challenges.

4. Explore Alumni Connections

If you’re part of a university or school alumni association, reach out to see if they can connect you with alumni at the company. Networking through alumni often leads to unique insights.

Final thoughts

Remember, preparation isn’t just about making a good impression—it’s about showing that you’re genuinely excited and invested in the role. The best-prepared candidates don’t just answer questions—they ask insightful ones, align with the company’s values, and prove they’re ready to hit the ground running.