Job Interview Questions: What Do You Know About Our Company?

11/4/2017

Interview Preparation 101

When interviewing, whether it’s an initial phone screen, video conference or in-person meeting, there are a few questions you need to be ready to answer early on. Having a good answer prepared will set the tone for the interview and increase your chances of continuing in the hiring process.

In two recent initial interviews with different companies, the first question asked was "What do you know about our company?" Here are bad, good and even great ways to answer this question.

Why This Question?

So why start here? At the most basic level, it is a great way for an organization to see if you are interested enough in the job that you did a little homework on your potential employer. Here in the information age, where the magical Google can tell you anything from when daylight saving time starts to who won the Worst Picture Razzie in 1995, there is just no excuse for not learning at least something about an organization before you interview.

From a recruiter's point of view, a candidate who bothers to find out about the company is stronger than one who has a "which job is this again?" mindset. It comes down to showing that you have initiative--which is a great quality in any potential worker.

There's more to a company than a big shiny building.

Why Do The Research?

Aside from being able to answer this question, it's a good idea to learn more about a possible employer. Sometimes, when looking for work, people get so focused on trying to get hired somewhere, that we forget that we also need to figure out if we want to work for a given company. When doing a little research, you may learn that you actually don't want to work for a company that has an opening. Maybe they are known for having high turnover, legal troubles or are cutting staff. Knowing the marketing information as well as the day to day of a given organization can help you make a good decision about your next employer. Remember that you are also interviewing the company, and finding out more about them gives you a better background for the "What questions do you have for me?" portion of the interview.

A little company research will help you in the hiring process.

Bad Answer: I know nothing.

"Not a thing." (An actual answer I received when I was a hiring manager interviewing a candidate for an instructor position.)

Seriously? Ugh. Even if you know next to nothing, you know a little--the name of the company, that they are hiring the position for which you are applying, how to get to the building. Just try even a little bit.

Okay Answer: I know a little bit.

“I know that Super-Great Healthcare Company is a non-profit organization that runs 100 clinics and hospitals. I know that this organization was formed in 2010 because of a merger of Super Healthcare and Great Healthcare, which made it the largest clinic network in Illinois. I also know that you have just launched a new ‘phone a nurse’ program to help patients make better healthcare decisions.”

Invest 5 minutes: Basic Company Information

You almost have to try to not learn anything a company. First off, at the bottom of most job postings, companies list a little bit about their company, including a quick note on who they are and what they're about. From there, visit your good friend Google, do a quick Internet search, and get thee to the company’s website. Be able to list off at least a few basics on the organization including what the business does, their main products and services. On their home page, you should be able to glean what they do, and see at least a few key announcements.

Get on the Google to find out all about your prospective employer.

Good Answer: I know a thing or two.

“I know that Super-Great Healthcare Company is a non-profit organization that runs 100 clinics and hospitals. I also know that this organization was formed in 2010 because of a merger of Super Healthcare and Great Healthcare, which made it the largest clinic network in Illinois. I know you have just launched a new ‘phone a nurse’ program to help patients make better healthcare decisions.

I know that Super-Great Healthcare Company was named one of the top 100 workplaces in Illinois for the second year in a row, that you recently hired a new VP of Operations and broke ground on a new corporate headquarters building.”

Invest 15 Minutes: About Us and News

Go beyond the homepage of the company's website and learn a little more. Visit the “About” page to find out more about their office locations, leadership team, company values and awards they may have won. Check out press releases to see what news the organization wants to publicize. Visit LinkedIn to see the company’s marketing summary. Check out Wikipedia for a once over on company information from their start up to present day. Do a Google search focused on news to find out any headlines involving the organization. Don't feel the need to list off every fact ever about the company, but sharing a few key details shows that you did more than the bare minimum.

Great Answer: I know people.

Talk to people. They know things.

Invest 30 Minutes or More.

This is where LinkedIn and your personal network come in handy. Search for the company on LinkedIn, and see if any of your connections have a tie with the company. This could be one of your direct connections, or someone one of them knows. When possible, it's beneficial to reach out to someone via LinkedIn messages, phone or to meet in person to talk. They may be able to share first-hand information that you can't find on a company website.

Glass Door is also a great resource for finding out company specific information. Current and past employees share their reviews of the company--the good, bad and ugly. People who have recently interviewed with an organization also rate their experience and include questions that they were asked. Hearing from people who have direct experience with a company can help give you a fuller picture of what the organization is all about.

What Do You Think?

How do you learn about a potential employer? What details would you include in your answer to this question? Share your insights in the comments.

Learn More

Curtis link

1/25/2018 07:12:32 pm

Thanks for sharing me the valuable guide. Before reading this, I think I was at this stage "Invest 15 Minutes: About Us and News". However, after reading this, I know I should go to the final stage. It is very necessary.

Comments are closed.