So, you have put in the hard work and bagged yourself a job interview – congratulations!

This is one of the first steps we take into entering the world of employment. The interview has a lot of significance in the run up to becoming employed. This is your opportunity to show the employer what you can bring to the company and why you think you’d be the best candidate for the job.

Some people find job interviews to be an absolute breeze; however, some people can struggle when presenting themselves to a potential new employer. It’s important to remember that everybody can be nervous about a new job prospect, and this is nothing to be embarrassed about.

Job interview panel questioning a girl

So, what do we need to do?

Most people would agree that the most important part of preparing for a job interview is the preparation itself. As the old saying goes “by failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail”.

If you were the employer, would you hire the candidate that lacks knowledge of the company or the job itself? Would you be more likely to hire an employee that shows a clear knowledge of the company and its values. That knows its competition and has ideas how they could help the company overcome them? By doing your research, this shows an employer that you’re completely invested in this opportunity. These things combined will help impress your potential employer and put you above the other candidates.

Without further hesitation, let’s look at the 4 main things you should research prior to a job interview:

The skills and experience needed by the company

Firstly, it’s important to investigate the skills a company wants most in a potential employee. This enables you to present yourself as the best possible candidate that the employer will be looking for. Be sure to talk about the relevant skills you have, or ones that can be adapted to fit the company’s needs. Make sure they acknowledge the benefits you can bring to the company.

The company’s culture and mission

When attending a job interview, you need to show a company you’re a good fit for their culture. As you research the company, pay close attention to their values and their mission. By doing this, you can develop a better understanding of the company. You can also discover more skills and qualities you can present, to ensure that you’re the best possible candidate. Proving that you will be able to meet all the needs and requirements that need filling.

News and recent events about the employer

It’s a good idea to have a clear knowledge of recent company events and news. By doing this, you’ll present that you take your research seriously. Showing a clear interest in improving your knowledge about the company and what they have achieved as of recently.

Clients, products and services

As a potential employee, it’s important to develop your knowledge on the work you will be doing once hired. Once you have achieved a clear knowledge of what work you will be completing, this can also help you prepare for your job interview and therefore further impress the employer.

Handshake

Using these 4 steps means you will be able to grow a clearer and more developed understanding of the workplace. You’ll now be able impress your employer and will also put you at the top of the candidate list.

That’s it, your prep is done, go get them!