Pre-Interview Research: Company and Interviewers

Thorough pre-interview preparation is critical to demonstrate interest, professionalism and to tailor your answers strategically.

Not researching is one of the biggest mistakes you can make, as it prevents you from genuinely connecting with the company's needs and makes you appear unprepared.

Key information to obtain on the subpoena call

The moment they call you to schedule the interview is your first opportunity to gather valuable information. Don't hesitate to ask politely:

• The name and title of the person(s) who will be interviewing you.
• The exact address and any special directions.
• The format of the interview (individual, panel, group, etc.) and the estimated duration.
• Whether you should bring anything specific (portfolio, ID, etc.).
• If you have applied to several offers, keep a record handy so as not to confuse them.
• Being prepared from this first call shows organization.

Thorough company research

Take the time to thoroughly research the company. A cursory glance is not enough. Explore:

• Their website: Go beyond the "About Us" section. Review products/services, news, annual reports (if applicable), mission, vision and values. Pay attention to the press section or media room for recent press releases.
• Social Networks: Analyze their profiles on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, etc. Observe how they communicate, what kind of content they share and how they interact with their audience. This will give you clues about their culture.
• News and Press: Search for recent news about the company in Google News or other search engines. Find out about their latest achievements, challenges or important changes.
• Company Culture: Try to understand their shared values and what the work environment is like. Social media, employee reviews (such as on Glassdoor) and your own network can provide insight.

Knowing all this will allow you to ask smarter questions and demonstrate genuine interest.

Research interviewers

Once you know who will be interviewing you, do your research on them. LinkedIn is an excellent tool to learn about their professional background, studies, and sometimes interests.

A Google search can also reveal articles or conferences they have participated in.

Finding commonalities (same university, hobbies, former employers) can help you establish a rapport during the interview.

However, be subtle when mentioning this information so as not to appear invasive.

Seek information about the interview process at that company/industry.

Try to find out what the selection process is usually like at that particular company or in that particular industry.

Search online: If it's a large company, you're likely to find blogs, forums or articles where former employees or candidates share their experience about interviewing (e.g. "interview at [Company Name]").

Sites like Glassdoor often have this information as well.

Consult your network: Ask contacts who work or have worked there.

Research the industry: Some industries have standardized interviewing practices (e.g., case interviews in consulting, technical tests in IT).

Knowing this allows you to prepare specifically for the type of assessment you might face.

Understand the challenges and opportunities of the company/sector (Genuine Insight).

Your research should not just be data collection, but should lead you to have a deeper understanding of the context in which the company operates. Reflect on:

• What are the main challenges facing the company or its industry (competition, technological changes, regulation, etc.)?
• What opportunities does it have (new markets, innovation, favorable trends)?
• How can the company differentiate itself from its competitors?

Developing this insight ("genuine insight") will allow you to have more strategic conversations during the interview, ask more relevant questions and position yourself as a candidate who understands the business, not just the position.

Summary

Pre-interview research is critical to demonstrate interest and professionalism. When scheduling the appointment, ask for the interviewers' names, format and exact address.

Research the company thoroughly: their website, products, recent news and social media. Try to understand their company culture to see if you are a good fit. Also research the interviewers on LinkedIn.

Find out what the selection process is usually like at that company, using Glassdoor or your network. Develop a thorough understanding of their challenges and opportunities.