How to research a company before you go to interview

Posted on Thursday, October 10, 2024 by BenitaNo comments

When you’re preparing for an interview, especially for competitive PA jobs in London, knowing the company inside and out is your secret weapon. It’s not just about brushing up on their website—there’s so much more to it. As a PA recruitment agency, we know that thorough research can set you apart from other candidates.

Here are some practical tips to help you dig a little deeper.

1.    Start with the company’s website

This might sound obvious, but many people only give the company website a quick glance. Don’t be one of them. Dive into the About Us section, read up on the company’s mission and values, and see if they’ve shared any recent news or press releases. These sections can give you a real feel for the company culture, and what’s important to them. For PA jobs in London, it’s crucial to align your own values with the company’s, so look out for keywords that you can subtly weave into your interview answers.

2.    Check out their social media presence

You can tell a lot about a company by its social media activity. Are they engaging with their customers? What tone of voice do they use? If they’re active on different platforms, it’s a good idea to have a nosy and see what sort of content they’re sharing. Are they celebrating their employees’ successes or shouting about new business wins? This can give you clues about what they might value in their staff, and how they want to be perceived by the public. Plus, if you can reference something specific from their social media during your interview, it shows you’ve done your homework.

LinkedIn is particularly useful. One of the best places to research the company—and your potential future colleagues—is LinkedIn. Check out the profiles of the company’s leadership team and anyone you might be working closely with. See if they’ve shared any articles or posted updates. Plus, it’s always helpful to know a little bit about who might be interviewing you.

3.    Research their industry and competitors

Having a grasp of the broader industry context can make you look incredibly savvy. If you’re up for one of those sought-after PA jobs in London, it’s good to know the challenges and opportunities the industry is facing. Who are their main competitors? What sets this company apart? A bit of time spent researching their rivals can give you insights into their market position and what they might be working towards.

4.    Look at employee reviews

Websites like Glassdoor may offer reviews from current and former employees. You can find out what it’s really like to work at the company, which can be priceless information. Pay attention to recurring themes—whether positive or negative. This can help you gauge whether this company will be a good fit for you in the long run. Just remember to take reviews with a pinch of salt, as every workplace will have some ups and downs and typically you’ll hear more about the negative.

5.    Search for recent news articles

If the company has been in the news recently, you should definitely know about it. A quick Google search can reveal whether they’ve launched a new product, opened a new office, or been involved in any industry changes. This knowledge can be a brilliant talking point in an interview, demonstrating that you’re not just interested in the role, but the company’s trajectory as well.

Looking for PA jobs in London? Get in touch with our PA recruitment agency.

 

 

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