There was a time early in my career when I held onto a dangerous belief:
“If I’m confident and qualified, that’s enough.”
So I’d walk into interviews well-dressed, résumé printed, and a firm handshake ready. But beyond the job title, I knew next to nothing about the company. I didn’t understand what they stood for, who their customers were, or how they were evolving.
And I paid dearly for it.
The Interview That Taught Me a Tough Lesson
I vividly remember an interview where the hiring manager smiled and asked:
“What do you admire most about our company?”
I froze.
I scrambled for something smart to say, but all I could mumble was:
“Uhm… I’ve heard great things. The brand looks strong.”
Let’s just say… I didn’t make it to the next round.
That moment was a wake-up call. I learned that recruiters aren’t just looking for capable people — they’re looking for people who care enough to be prepared.
If you’re reading this as a young graduate or a mid-career professional, trust me: going into an interview blind can cost you more than an offer — it can cost you your peace. Because you might land a job in a company that doesn’t align with who you are.
Here’s what you must know before you walk into that interview room (or log onto that Zoom call).
1. Know the Company’s Mission & Vision
Understanding a company’s mission and vision gives you clarity on what drives them beyond profits. Their “why” should connect with your own sense of purpose or professional goals.
Ask yourself: Do their values align with mine?
If the company champions innovation, and you thrive on creativity, that’s alignment. If they’re all about hierarchy and you prefer collaboration, that’s a potential mismatch.
Where to find it:
Company website (About Us, Careers, or Vision pages)
Employer branding videos or LinkedIn “Life at…” pages
2. Know the Leadership
Leadership influences culture — significantly. The way executives think, communicate, and act trickles down to daily operations and team dynamics.
Do some digging:
Who is the CEO or departmental head?
What causes do they support?
What kind of content do they post or share on LinkedIn?
Are they accessible, people-focused, and values-driven?
A people-first leader often builds a people-first company.
3. Know the Company’s Competitors and Industry Landscape
If you want to stand out, show that you understand the broader picture. Demonstrating awareness of where the company fits within its industry indicates you’re strategic — not just tactical.
For example, if you’re interviewing at a FinTech startup, know who else is shaking up the space.
This tells the interviewer:
You’re commercially aware
You’re genuinely interested in the field
You understand the market forces shaping the company’s future
How to find it:
Google the company’s name + “top competitors”
Read recent industry news or trends on platforms like TechCrunch, Bloomberg, or Statista
4. Know What they’ve Been Up To Lately
Did the company:
Launch a new product?
Rebrand?
Merge with another firm?
Win an award?
Bring these up during the interview. It shows that you’ve done your homework and that you’re paying attention to their evolution.
You can say something like:
“I read about your recent partnership with [X company] — I found that move toward sustainable packaging very impressive. It aligns with my passion for environmental innovation.”
Where to find this information:
LinkedIn company page
Press release section on their website
Google News alerts
5. Know Their Social Impact (if any)
For many job seekers today — especially Millennials and Gen Z — work is about more than just a paycheck. Purpose and impact matter.
Look into:
Whether they support CSR initiatives
If they donate to causes or partner with NGOs
Whether they care about sustainability, gender equity, inclusion, etc.
Do they talk about impact, or do they demonstrate it?
If you’re someone who values working in purpose-driven environments, this step is non-negotiable.
Bonus: Know When to Walk Away
Here’s the most important part of researching a company:
It doesn’t just prepare you to impress. It prepares you to assess.
When I began researching companies before interviews, I started to:
Ask sharper, more relevant questions
Give better, tailored responses
See red flags I would’ve missed before
And yes — I learned to walk away from roles that didn’t align, no matter how attractive they looked on paper.
Final Advice
Don’t show up hoping to impress.
Show up prepared to connect.
You’re not just applying for a job — you’re exploring a professional home. And just like any home, you need to know who lives there, what they believe, and whether you belong.
So, before your next interview:
✅ Research the company’s mission, leadership, and latest updates
✅ understand their competitors and market position
✅ Assess their values, culture, and impact
✅ Prepare meaningful questions that show depth and intentionality
Because when you know who they are — you can better show them who you are.
Need help preparing for interviews or researching companies?
Connect with me for personalized coaching or a job search strategy session.
