Why Company Research Matters in Job Interviews: Tips and Tricks

Research the company

Stand out in an interview by being prepared. Research the company to understand its mission, values, and the challenges they’re facing before going in. The background knowledge you gain will help you position yourself as a top candidate. Using the company’s insights, craft and practice winning interview responses to commonly asked questions.

Prepare to Shine: Tips for Self-Presentation in Interviews

Many people aren’t prepared to give a short, straightforward answer highlighting who they are in relation to the job they are interviewing for. Be prepared to answer common questions clearly and concisely by practicing before the interview (see: research company).

• Craft and practice your elevator pitch
• Talk about yourself in the active, present tense and not the past tense (I do vs. I did).
• Respond to questions directly; try not to talk around a subject or hedge your answers.

Cracking the Code: How to Answer “Why Should We Hire You?”

There are a number of ways to answer the common question, “Why should we hire you?” Here are proven response strategies:

• Highlight the problems you solve by saying “I am known for…”.
• Share career milestones. Aim to have two or three quality examples ready to use.
• Illustrate your achievements. For example, “One thing I’m most proud of is… and I can apply that same success to this role by…”.
• Showcase your background by emphasizing your industry and community experience
• Demonstrate your value by aligning your skills with the company’s goals. For example, “Based on what I know about [company], I can help you…”.

Create a Memorable First Impression through Non-Verbal Communication

First impressions matter. The following non-verbal cues will set you up for interview success.

• Be professional and punctual.
• Be friendly, smile warmly, and dress appropriately.
• Use good eye contact.
• Connect on a human level to build rapport. For example, “I saw on LinkedIn that you attended XYZ University; so did I!” or “I saw on your LinkedIn profile that you used to live in Nashville—one of my favorite cities!”

At E&ES, we advocate for your career growth and development. We can help you update your resume, introduce you to local employers, and connect you with hands-on training opportunities.