Almost everyone dislikes the idea of doing any kind of homework.
When we were in school, we needed to do homework to get the grades we wanted.
When you're applying for a job, you need to do homework - research - the company to get the job you want.
People showing up for interviews without knowing anything about the company was the third biggest reason cited by recruiters for not offering a position to someone.
Especially with today's technology, your lack of preparation in this area will hurt your chances of getting hired.
Judy Hooper, who hired 100 people last year, says it "absolutely is an advantage to know about the company.
If you check out the web site, it makes a good impression that you care about the job and the company.
I really like it when they are checking us out.
" Cheryl Austin, who worked in human resources for many years, recommends using the same techniques she uses in her consulting work.
She suggests trying to identify how the company wants to be seen, "what words and phrases do they use?" Austin also always digs deeper by talking to people who work there or have worked there before.
"Don't try to be an expert on their business," Ken Wright, a former executive recruiter warns.
However, you can ask some great questions such as, "What do you think is the company's edge in the marketplace? Whom do you see as your biggest competitors? Who are the ones who keep you up at night? What do you think the company needs to do differently?" Let them tell you, and then you'll know what skills to highlight to the interviewer.
Action Steps You Can Take 1.
Network through your family and friends to find someone who works for the company.
The next best solution is to find someone who works for one of the company's competitors.
That will give you some insights into the industry.
2.
If you have difficulty developing good questions, borrow the ones shared by Ken Wright in this article.
You were smart enough to research and read this article, so please use the ideas shared.