Before Interview Research (page 1 of 2)	
Before Interview Research	
Why do I need to research information about a company?
Before you go to a job interview, take time to research information about the company.  Researching a 
company helps you in 3 ways:  1) You will give better answers to interview questions when you understand 
the company; 2) You will be able to evaluate pros and cons — good and bad — about a
 job offer; 
3) You will to make this decision — Will I enjoy working at this company?  
Do I need to research a company when I am only applying for a part-time job?
Yes!  It is never too early to start practicing your interview skills.  Take control by 
treating each interview with respect.  You show an employer respect when you have 
knowledge about the company and its products.  Your knowledge about the 
company and its products will help you during the interview and 
impress the employer.  When the employer is impressed, you 
may receive a better job offer.
In what other ways, does this research help me?
Having knowledge about the company prevents a "blank" look 
in your eye when the interviewer asks the question: "Why do you want to 
work for our company?"  Read 
the following answers to select the applicant you would most likely hire
 if you were the manager:
•  Applicant Jeri: "I like Target's goal of offering quality merchandise, low prices, and great customer 
service.  I support Target's mission of community support.  Some of Target's profits are donated to help 
cities and schools.  I will enjoy being a member of the Target team."  
•  Applicant Jason: "I was in the store, and I thought Target is close to my home, so I applied for a part-
time job.  And,  I need the money.  And, my mom is bugging me to get out of the house and get a job."
Jeri took time to read Target's website to learn about the company.  Jeri's answer shows interest in the 
company.  Jeri said an  unselfish answer that focused on the employer.  But, Jason said a selfish answer 
that focused on Jason's needs.   If you were the manager, which job seeker would you hire?  The job seeker  the employer will hire is Jeri. 
How do I research a company?
To research Target, go to the web page, scroll all the 
way to the bottom.  Click on "More" — then click on 
"Careers."  Other employers also have "Careers" or 
"Jobs" at the bottom of the website for job seekers to 
click — Walmart, MacDonalds, Home Depot, Macy's 
and others.  Read what the employer has to say about 
careers and jobs.  You may also check if the company 
has social media advertising.  You may research and 
read about the company on three other places — Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to learn more.
After researching the company on social media,  check your social media accounts to make sure you are 
an acceptable person on social media to the public —  by showing a bu
siness-like appearance and saying 
kind words.  Make sure your social media "privacy" settings are the most
 restrictive so that the public 
cannot see your messages to your friends.

College & Career Publishing.  Permission to use with usworkworld.com subscription.  	Before Interview Research (page 2 of 2)	
QUICK CHECK:
What else should I think about before the interview?
•  Do company's products agree with my interests?  You will be interested in your job if you are happy 
about what the company does.  If you are a pacifist (against war), you will like to work for a company 
that makes military weapons.  If you like foreign cars, you may not be h
appy selling American cars.  If 
you like healthy environments, you would not be happy in a smoke shop.
•  Where is the job located?  What are the work hours?  Is the pay OK?  If you need to drive to work, 
how much time and car expense it will take? Will you work the same hours or different hours, nights, 
weekends, holidays, or overtime?  Think about how the work location and hours will change your life.  
Also, is the pay acceptable to you for the work required?
•  Will I enjoy the job?   1) Try to talk to others who work at the company.  You may ask, "What are the 
benefits of working for this company?" and "What do you not enjoy about working for this company?"   
2) Also,  watch workers to see if they appear happy and relaxed   — or grumpy and stressed. 
•  How will this job benefit me?  Even if a job is not in your career area, it will help you get hired in
to 
your career area in the future because: 1) Job will give you work exper
ience to put on your resumes and 
job applications; 2) Supervisors names can be used as references on res
umes and job applications; and 
3) Work experience shows a future employer that you have "work ethic skills"
 — such as honesty, get 
to work on time, do a good job, work as a team.  Work ethic skills transfer to all jobs in the work world.  
  
Be prepared for an interview by researching the company.  
Be prepared to accept/decline a job by knowing what you want.  
Be prepared to improve your work skills at each job.  
Be prepared to use the work experience and contacts you gain for  your future resumes and applications.  
Be prepared to use all your work world adventures as stepping  stones to your future career. 
10. a) To research Target, what 2 words do you 
click at the bottom of the website?  b) List 3 
other employers with "Careers" at the bottom of 
their website.  c) List 3 other places to read
11.  Why do you check your social media accounts?
12.  Give an example of how a company's activities 
may disagree with your interest and values.
13.  List 2 companies in your city that  agree with 
your values and have interesting jobs.
14.  List 2 ways to find out if you will enjoy the job.
15.  For what 3 reasons may the job actually help 
you get hired into your career area in the future?
16.  Give 4 examples of work ethic skills.
17.  To where do work ethic skills transfer?
18.  List 3 ways to "be prepared."
19.  a) Will you research a company before a job 
interview?  b) Give a reason for your answer.
1. 
Researching helps you in what 3 ways?
2.  For what is it never too early?
3.  How do you show an employer respect?
4.  What may happen when employer is impressed?
5.  a) What does having knowledge about the 
  company prevent?  b) When the interviewer 
asks what question?
6.  a) List 3 good things Jeri said about the Target 
company.  b) What good thing did Jason say 
about the Target company?
7.  What did Jeri read to find information about the 
Target company?
8.  Explain the difference between an unselfish 
answer to an employer and a selfish answer.
9.  a) If you were the employer, would you hire Jeri 
or Jason?  b) Give a reason for your answer.