Research Is Your Secret Weapon to Job Interview Success
By Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter
I’ve seen it all. The good, the bad, and the downright ugly when it comes to job interviews but there’s one simple technique that can make or break your 
chances of getting hired – doing your research.
I know, I know. You’ve heard this advice before. But 9 times out of 10, job seekers don’t put in the effort. And that’s why they never get the offer.
Trust me. Taking just 30 minutes to research the company and role will give you a huge advantage. Here are three reasons why:
- It shows you care. Hiring managers want people who are truly excited about the job. Doing your homework proves you’re serious and invested.
- You can speak their language. Learn the company’s values, mission, goals, challenges, industry lingo, etc. This helps you connect with the interviewer.
- You can address their needs. Every employer has pain points they want fixed. With some digging, you’ll uncover what they are and how you can solve them.
Now let’s talk about how to put your research into action:
In Your Resume
- Target your resume to the job description. Use the same keywords and terminology they do.
- Quantify your achievements. Show examples of delivering the results they want.
In the Interview
- Ask smart questions. This demonstrates curiosity and interest. Bonus points if they are informed by your research.
- Make direct connections. When answering questions, tie your experience back to their business goals whenever possible.
- Be solution-oriented. Share examples of overcoming challenges similar to what the company faces.
After the Interview
- Thank you note. Reiterate why you are a great fit. Bring up anything you wish you’d said.
- Follow up call. Restate your interest and ask about next steps in the process.
That’s my best advice after decades of experience. If you do your homework and put these tips into action, you’ll blow the hiring manager away. Now get researching and go ace that interview!
Ⓒ The Big Game Hunter, Inc., Asheville, NC 2023
Researching Companies: A Mistake
ABOUT JEFF ALTMAN, THE BIG GAME HUNTER
People hire Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter to provide No BS Career Advice globally because he makes many things in peoples’ careers easier. Those
things can involve job search, hiring more effectively, managing and leading better, career transition, as well as advice about resolving workplace issues.
Schedule a discovery call at my website, www.TheBigGameHunter.us
He is the host of “No BS Job Search Advice Radio,” the #1 podcast in iTunes for job search with over 2600 episodes.
Website: https://www.TheBigGameHunter.us (schedule a paid coaching session, a free discovery call or ask questions using my Trusted Adviser Services)
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