One of the most important things the candidate must do before the interview is to research the company and the position for which he has applied for. The importance of appropriate and relevant research about the company, its products and the position can be summarised in following paragraphs :
1. Research enables a candidate to have an edge over the other rival candidates. Even the most likely candidate with inappropriate research are seen being beaten off by the candidate with less qualification and experience but who has done good research. Employers expect the candidates to attend the interview, with atleast basic knowledge about the company. Several questions are asked by the interviewer to judge your suitability for the position, if you have done no research, you will be given a cold shoulder. Doing in depth, relevant research enables the candidate to reply a number of questions fired at him during the interview. It is said, “Knowledge is power” and research gives you knowledge and thus makes you powerful. No research, no knowledge. No knowledge, no power. No power, you are beaten. It is a simple equation, so do your research and exert your power and win the game.
2. Research shows your willingness and sincerity to join the particular position. While being interviewed, the employer wants to judge your seriousness for the position you have applied for. You can show that only by making due research about the organisation. Even if the job market is great for job seekers, employers do not want to hire candidates who are not a match for their needs. If you don’t, you will be unable to answer the critical question as — Why do would like to join this company? or How do you feel suitable for the position? or How could you be able to face the challenges entailing to the position you have applied for, and that all lead to show your little preparation or insincerity for the position.
3. If you are an outsider, you must be well aware that you might have to compete with someone from the inside of the company who already knows a lot about the company and the position. Now doing in-depth research by you becomes more imperative to prove your competitive suitability for the position. The more you know about the organisation, about the position, about the products of the company about the other similar companies, the better you are prepared and the more chances you have to defeat the insider candidate. So don’t let the others to put you off and use this opportunity to have a winning and rewarding experience.
4. If you are an insider, you must not be complacent and think that your knowledge about the company and its competitors is naturally more than the others. The best outsiders are doing a lot hard work to prove that they are more competent than you. Being an insider, you positively have an edge over outsiders but your complacency can ruin your chance. To keep yourself ahead of others, whether from inside or outside, do your research well and don’t let the chance go in someone else pocket.
A good quality research and meaningful thinking provides you an opportunity to surprise and delight the interviewer about your terrific capabilities and potential, and leave them wondering why you haven’t been on their role so far.
