Tutorial: How to research an employer

Before you go to an interview, it’s important to know what you’re in for. Researching an employer can give you an idea of what you'll be asked about. That gives you a little more confidence going in.

It’s also a way to show that you’re interested in the company. Drop in a little information about them in your answers and you’ll seem keen. It shows that you understand what the company is and who they’re looking for.

Follow our 5 step tutorial on researching an employer and you’ll be ready to impress at your interview.

This should be your first stop. Pay particular attention to information about products and services, the ‘About Us’ section and anything related to the job you’re applying for. Check the recruitment section – companies often provide a brief description of the type of people they’re looking for.

Take some notes so that you can review them before you go in to your interview.

A Twitter or Facebook feed can give you a good idea of what a company’s culture is like. You can also look up your interviewer on LinkedIn to get an idea of their work history and see if you share anything in common.

Sites like Glassdoor, Milkround, The Job Crowd, and Inside Buzz feature company profiles. These often have reviews or ‘day in the life’ accounts from employees that can tell you a bit more about what a company is like.

Google their name and check the news results. Look for news about the industry they work in, too. Pay attention to the news on TV and the papers in the run-up to your interview. Show that you’re aware of what’s going on. Be wary of mentioning negative news stories – these might not go down so well. 

If you know someone who works in the same industry, ask them about their job. Ask if there are any points they think are important or skills that you can mention. Ask what questions they think might come up. Find out more about informational interviews on the networking page