There are many places to find information that each have unique benefits. You don’t have to utilize every source available but consider researching in multiple places to get a fuller picture of the opportunity, company, or program you are interviewing for.
Getting Started with Your Research
- Company/program website: Start by visiting the company or program website. This is where you can find firsthand information which is likely kept current. Here, you can access quick facts and key characteristics of the organization to get you started in your research.
- News sites: A broad Google search about the company or program can lead you to any news that has come out about it recently, whether positive or negative. Pay attention to various news sources to stay informed about an organization’s recent developments, challenges, and successes, which may turn into interview talking points.
- Social media: View the company’s or program’s Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, TikTok, and other social media pages. These platforms present an image of what the organization wants its consumers/followers to see and what its current priorities are. Like or follow the organization to get updates, and you’ll find some information you may not have found otherwise.
- LinkedIn: LinkedIn company/program profiles are a rich source of information. You’ll be able to see whether you have any connections at the company or program, other employees or program participants, jobs/opportunities posted, related companies or programs, and organization insights. If you have connections at the company or program, consider reaching out to them to gather their perspective and tips that will help you ace the interview.
For Academic Programs
- Graduate school search engines: Platforms such as Peterson’s, U.S. News & World Report, and The Princeton Review can be used to help you find more information about graduate schools and individual academic programs. You can research features such as enrollment size, rankings, student body and faculty demographics, and comparable programs.
For Companies
- Glassdoor: Consider looking up the company on Glassdoor, a website where current and former employees anonymously review companies. The site’s “Interview Questions and Reviews” section has a plethora of information for job seekers. You can find out what questions other candidates were asked and get a sense of how tough they felt the interview was.
- 12twenty: On 12twenty, you can access detailed company profiles, including reviews, job postings, and insights from other students and alumni. This tool can help you gain a deeper understanding of a company’s culture, values, and current opportunities, enabling you to prepare more effectively for an interview.
- Vault: On Vault, you can see rankings and reviews for companies and internships. The platform includes information like salary data and insights into company culture, which can help you learn about potential employers. Vault offers numerous guides to industries, professions, and career development, including several interview preparation guides.
- Job Market Insights: With Job Market Insights, you can find real-life employment data from across the nation. Filter by keywords, occupation, or industry to explore trends, skills, salaries, job titles and more related to your search criteria. Use this information as a catalyst during your research process to help you prepare for your interview.
What to Research
- Mission and values: Review the organization’s mission and core values, which are often available on their website. Understanding how your personal values align with those of the company or program and articulating that during your interview can make you stand out.
- Goals and initiatives: Investigate the company’s or program’s short- and long-term goals (which you can often find in its strategic plan), such as new projects or community initiatives. Understanding what the company or program aims to achieve will help you align your skills and experiences with their objectives during the interview.
- History: Familiarize yourself with key milestones in the organization’s history, including when it was founded, any significant changes to the organizational structure, or leadership changes. Knowing some background information can help you understand the organization’s current trajectory and offer context during your conversation.
- Culture: Explore the work or academic culture of an organization by reading student or employee reviews and researching the organization’s approach to collaboration, diversity, or community involvement. Understanding the attitudes, behaviors, and norms within an organization will help you assess if it aligns with your own values and goals.
- Assessing a company’s culture before working there is difficult, but there are some steps you can take to learn as much as possible. Find out how through the Center for Career Readiness and Life Skills’ asynchronous module titled “Finding a Workplace that Aligns with Your Values.” Learn more here.
- Dress code: Research the company’s or program’s typical dress code by checking reviews or looking at photos on social media. This information can help you determine how to dress for your interview.
- Industry trends and competitors: As well as researching the company or program, it makes sense to review the overall industry. For instance, if you’re interviewing for a job at a mortgage company, it’s helpful to be informed about current homeownership trends. Alternatively, if you’re interviewing for a medical school program, it’s helpful to know about trends in the U.S. healthcare system. Also research companies and programs that are competitors to yours to stay knowledgeable about the entire industry, not just the target company or program.
- News: Staying up to date with news items about a company or program shows that you are proactive and well-prepared, which can leave a positive impression on your interviewer(s). Additionally, news research helps you anticipate questions about industry trends or potential impacts on the company’s or program’s goals, enabling you to showcase your critical thinking skills.
- Interviewers/key personnel: Research your interviewers or other key personnel at the organization by reviewing their LinkedIn profiles or website bios. This information will help you tailor your questions and responses, as well as build rapport during the interview.
Thorough research is an essential step in preparing for any interview, helping you feel more confident and informed. Doing your research makes you better equipped to engage in meaningful conversation and present yourself as the ideal candidate. It also ensures that you’re selecting an opportunity that aligns with your own values and supports your professional growth.
