Once you’ve got a job interview you’ll be busy preparing what you’ll say, what you’ll wear, and what you’ll ask. Researching the company/organisation you have applied for online can really help you with all of those things. Don’t leave it to the last minute.

There are three simple steps that can help you get ready for any interview. It’s all about doing your homework.

Step 1: Narrow it down

The point of research is to help you feel confident and look knowledgeable at your interview. Employers like to hire people who are keen and also people who ‘get’ what the job is about. Also, it is important to know who their customers are, what the customers expect and be 100% committed to them.

You don’t necessarily need to know about a company’s ‘big expansion plans overseas’ unless you’re going to be involved in that area of their work. You do need to know about the things the company does – whether that is selling goods, or providing a service.

Step 2: Look in the right areas

Going to look at the main company website can be useful and there are other places you can look online:

Start with the job ad. Many job ads tell you where to go for further information, so it’s a good idea to take a look. Don’t forget to mention it at your interview, and maybe have a question ready for the end about what you’ve read there. At the very least it shows your attention to detail.

Even local shops and businesses are now on Twitter, so it’s a great place to see what your potential employer says to their customers. 

Many companies put videos about themselves on YouTube. Some are adverts but others are videos explaining what the company does and cares about.  

If you’re not on LinkedIn you should think about setting up an account – it’s a great way to promote your skills and abilities to employers. It’s also good for learning about what goes on within the company you want to join and ‘get a view from the inside’.  

Step 3: Use it wisely

Here are some simple interview dos and don’ts when it comes to using the information you’ve discovered:

Do:

Say that you’ve looked at the company online and mention the things you liked or were really impressed by.

Think about tailoring some of your interview answers based on what you’ve found out.

Use what you’ve learnt to help you if you don’t have the exact experience they’re after – for example “I haven’t yet done this in my career, but I’m really interested in this area…”.

Think about the types of attitudes and behaviours the company expects of their employees and what it is about you that makes you a perfect fit for each other.

Don’t:

Criticise the company’s website, videos or tweets – and don’t suggest how you could have done them better!

Discuss something you’ve only skim-read, in case they ask you questions about it you can’t answer.

Be unprepared!

Follow these 3 simple steps and you’ll be better prepared, more confident and more in control at your job interview. Good luck!

For more jobseeking hints and tips, go to http://dailyjobseeker.tumblr.com/