4 Best Ways You Can Effectively Research For A Job Interview

By Selipha Kihagi

After being invited for an interview, what you will now need is to make sure you are well prepared for the questions to come so you can get the job.

In preparing, research becomes a key determinant on what direction the interview is going to take; if you research effectively then you improve your chances for getting the job and if it’s scantily done then chances are it won’t go very well.

Effective research for an interview spans around various issues, not just the company’s background and current state like most Kenyan job seekers presume it to be. It entails being familiar with your role, both from your perspective and that of the employer.

So, how best should you research to ace the interview?

1. Go Back To The Job Requirements
When applying to the job, you may have skimmed through the duties and requirements needed, applied for the position but then closed that chapter and moved on to the next one. You are probably a victim of this and have never really thought about the impact it would have on your interview.

Going back to the requirements helps you identify and understand the exact qualities the employer is looking for. Go through them over and over and understand, then think about the questions that would centre around them and rehearse your way to nailing the interview.

2. Focus on learning about the company
Now this is where every job seeker’s obsession resonates, and while that is not necessarily a bad thing, you need to have a strategy for what you want as the outcome. Identify the company areas you need to familiarize with before any interview and research on it.

You can get the information you need from the company’s website, their social media pages(Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Google+) and of course the one marketplace for information – Google. Here you can find any recent events or accomplishments, you will be able to read on any financial gains or losses or any other company dirt you may come across. However, you must be selective of the information you decide to take in.

3. Stalk your Interviewers on Social media (LinkedIn)
Some organizations will give you the names of people going to interview you. They may say, ‘when you get to the office ask to speak to so and so (name given)”. Use this to your advantage by searching them on Social media.
LinkedIn or Twitter would be appropriate. This will give you an opportunity to identify with them before you actually meet them. Know what they look like and their standing points on trending issues.

Like researching the company on Google, plan what you will be looking for and leave out unnecessary information. The purpose of checking out an interviewer’s LinkedIn page is to gauge the questions they are likely to ask and improve your confidence.

4. Visit a recruitment company’s Advice page
Why? Most firms will have information on what you are likely to come across during the interview, mistakes that you should avoid or even success and failure stories from job candidates as well as other career advice. Use all this information as a point of reference in your preparation.

Some of these recruiters will even answer any queries you may have if you contact them directly.

As you research, do not forget to learn about the company’s competitors and what sets them apart. This could come in handy during the interview.