Jason Monastra

My life and thoughts out on the web

Knowing information about the potential company you might be working for is elementary.  Basic web searches will uncover the details of most facts, and with a little due diligence a web surfer can uncover more than they will ever need to know to snag the role.  This was listed in a recent article past to me as being a prime reason candidates to not get jobs.

“I don’t know anything about the company.”Chances are the interviewer will ask what you know about the company. If you say you don’t know anything about it, the interviewer will wonder why you’re applying for the job and will probably conclude you’re after money, not a career.”With today’s technology,” Moran says, “there is no excuse for having no knowledge of a company except laziness and/or poor planning - neither of which are attributes [of potential employees] sought by many organizations.”

I find it funny that in today’s environment, especially for people in the technical fields that this would even raise its head as a concern.  In addition, and more troubling, is why would anyone go to interview with a company they knew nothing about?  What a waste of time.  Walking in their intellectually naked, bearing your personal soul to people that you know nothing about.  What if the company has a poor morale compass or is in the news most recently about exploiting children in developing countries.  Are not those things you would like to know?   Google, www.google.com, easy and simple to use will uncover what you need to know.  Hit the web with a few searches on the company, select the news option and see the most recent articles floating around.  Be sure that the company is worth giving your time to.

Company knowledge shows interest in the role.  Hiring managers realize you took the time to review the company, the role and match that against your career objectives.  They will realize you are prepared and if you structure questions around what you have learned, it is an impressive edge over the people walking in and knowing little to nothing.  Economies throughout the world and specific verticals are becoming more and more competitive, so be sure to develop your strategy to differentiate yourself.