8 reasons to research a company before you apply
Thinking about applying for a job? Before you hit that "submit" button, it's a good idea to do a little detective work on the company.
10th Apr 2024
1. To make sure they're a good fit for you 🧩
Research is important to figuring out whether the company you're interested in is actually one you'd be happy working for. Learn as much as you can about the company's culture and working environment, their level of flexibility and employee benefits, career progression opportunities, and have a look at what their employees are saying about them.
Look for information on:
- 🌈 Company values and mission
- 🏢 Work environment and culture
- 🌴 Flexibility and work-life balance
- 🏥 Employee benefits and perks
- 📈 Career growth and development opportunities
2. To tailor your approach 🪡
Researching a company allows you to tailor your application to give yourself the best possible chance of standing out amongst other candidates. Have a look at the company's values and mission, and highlight the ways you'll contribute. Figure out what type of people they're trying to attract, and what skills they're looking for.
Look for information on:
- 🎯 Key skills and qualifications for the role
- 💼 Company goals and challenges
- 🙌 Recent news and achievements
3. To demonstrate your passion and interest ⚡️
By showing that you know a lot about the company, you'll signal to the hiring team that you're genuinely a fan and keen to work there. Have a look at their social feeds and take a moment to congratulate them on a recent win; learn the company's history and let them know what inspired you; read about their mission and tell them why you love what they're doing.
Look for ways to:
- 🎉 Congratulate the company on recent successes
- 📚 Share what you admire about the company's history or mission
- ❓ Prepare thoughtful questions for the interview
4. To nail interview questions 🗣️
Knowing your stuff will enable you to smash the interviews. Not only will it allow you to prepare questions you'd like to ask the team, but it means you won't be caught off guard if you ask you anything about the company.
Prepare to discuss:
- 📈 Company products, services, and target market
- 🏆 Company mission, values, and culture
- 🌟 Your fit and potential contributions to the company
5. To uncover any red flags (and green flags!)
Transparency is key, but unfortunately, not all companies are honest with candidates. The good news is that companies on Flexa tell you everything you need to know on their company pages, and you can read genuine reviews from their employees.
Looking up a company like this means you'll be able to spot any red flags, and the green ones too!
Look out for:
- 👎 Negative employee reviews or high turnover
- 🤐 Lack of transparency or information about the company
- ⚠️ Misalignment between stated values and actual practices
On the flip side, pay attention to green flags like:
- 👍 Positive employee testimonials
- 🌟 Awards and recognition for company culture or innovation
- 🌈 Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
6. To Ask Better Questions 🙋♀️
Your research will likely uncover new questions or topics you want to explore further with the company. Asking informed, thoughtful questions not only demonstrates your interest and preparation but also helps you gather the information you need to make a smart career decision.
Consider asking about:
- 🔮 Company vision and long-term goals
- 🧗♀️ Challenges and opportunities for the role or department
- 🤝 Collaboration and cross-functional partnerships
7. To Make an Informed Decision 🤔
Ultimately, the goal of your research is to gather the information you need to make an informed decision about whether to pursue or accept a job offer. By taking the time to research the company thoroughly, you can feel confident in your choice and set yourself up for long-term career success.
Consider:
- 🌟 Alignment with your career goals and values
- 📈 Opportunities for growth and development
- 💼 Company stability and market position
- 🙌 Positive employee experiences and testimonials
8. To Understand the Company's Industry and Competitors 🏆
Researching a company also means understanding the broader industry context in which it operates. By learning about the company's market position, competitors, and industry trends, you can better assess the company's stability, growth potential, and competitive advantages.
Look for information on:
- 📊 Industry size, growth, and trends
- 🥇 Key players and market share
- 💡 Emerging technologies or disruptions
- 📰 Recent industry news and developments