66 Davenport University Career Services Guide COMPANYRESEARCH THEYEXPECTIT! COMPANYRESEARCH 1. What do you know about the company’s mission, vision and values? 2. Where does the company operate in, is there a headquarters, in how many locations and countries is it located and how many people work there? 3. What does the company do? Does it provide product or service? What is it? Is it high end or low end? 4. Who are it’s customers? 5. Who are it’s competitors? 6. Is the company family-owned, publicly traded, non-profit or government? 7. What is their office culture or organizational structure? 8. What makes the company special? 9. Any awards, recent news, industry changes/issues, etc.? 10. What departments, projects and products interest you? Why? There is nothing worse for an interviewer than a candidate who does not understand the basic job functions, industry or company. This is where candidates can set themselves apart. The more research you do, the easier it is to connect your experience and skills to the company and job description. Find the answers to the following questions through: Company website | LinkedIn and Current Employees Annual Reports | Better Business Bureau | Glassdoor Industry and Business Publications Incorporate this research into your answers when appropriate. Write down the questions that come up during your research and save them to ask when you are asked “Do you have any questions for us?” at the end of the interview. You may not be asked directly what you know about the organization, but get creative in order to incorporate your research in your interview answers. 66 Davenport University Career Services Guide QUESTION “Why should I hire you?” ANSWER “Aside from being qualified for the position, I noticed in my research that..., and I...”