Preparation Tips for Job Interview Research

Your employment interview is in 30 minutes. You look sharp, with your black dress suit and pumps. But appearance won't get you this job on its own because you didn't read any preparation tips for job interview research.

Employers expect prospective job candidates to know about the organization, the industry, and the position being sought. Learning about the interviewer and his or her role in the organization helps, too.

What should you do to prepare?

Start with the Internet

Many businesses nowadays have an online presence. Browsing the business' website will often provide enough background information about the company. Sample items to know include the date founded, organization's mission, how many branches and their general locations, competitors, organization's key figures, and current news and events about the organization.

Although a few of these sample items won't be found on the company's website, they can be found in places such as the news. They also can be found in Hoovers, which contains data about proprietary businesses, or GuideStar, which contains data about nonprofits. For example, nonprofits are required to file Form 990 with the IRS. The form, which is a public document that can be found on GuideStar, lists the organization's mission, programs, and finances. This is valuable information to determine the financial health of the company and its trajectory.

Don't get caught up just researching the company -- you'll need to know about the general industry, too. Learning about the industry can be done by browsing periodicals such as the Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg Businessweek, Crain's, Forbes, and Fortune. News websites and industry websites can also provide that scoop.

Social media sites are valuable. Check to see if your interviewer has a profile, which may provide information about his or her responsibilities and impact in the organization. While you're in the social media realm, use LinkedIn and try to connect with an employee in the organization for a brief talk.

Use the phone

The human resources department is also a valuable resource. Call them and ask questions about the company, the department you'll be interviewing in, and the job itself. HR will also have an official copy of the job description, which is essential for preparation. (How can you market yourself as the right candidate for the job if you don't even know what the job requires?)

Researching woes?

Businesses with a small footprint can be a challenge to research. Local libraries and museums may have information about the organization if it's small.

If the organization was written about in the local newspaper, the library will have a copy of the newspaper's microfilm, which will contain a reproduction of that newspaper article about the organization.

Also, many medium-sized businesses that serve metropolitan areas will produce a book about their history. If a book was written about a local company, the library's local history room will know.

Now what?

Relax! You've done your homework and should be well-versed to converse about the organization with the interviewer. Now impress the interviewer with your skills and experience.

Follow the author of this article on Twitter @TimothyMathisen