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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

Researching a company before you apply gives you a sneak peek behind the scenes. You'll learn about what they stand for, and if it's a place where you really want to work for. Here are some reasons why doing your homework on a company before applying is a must.

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
Pro tip: Flexified companies on our website display all of this information, and much more. Plus, you can use our Live Feed to browse behind-the-scenes content from companies too!

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

Pro tip: don't alter too much on your CV / application. If you're having to change too much about yourself, the chances are you won't feel comfortable working there and the company isn't for you.

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
Pro tip: you can access Flexified companies' websites, career pages, and social media accounts directly via their company pages on Flexa!

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

If you need more help preparing for your interview you can read our ‘5 tips for remote interview success’ blog.

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
Pro tip: Avoid asking questions that could easily be answered through your research. Instead, focus on questions that dig deeper or clarify your understanding of the company and role.

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
Pro tip: Trust your gut. If something doesn't feel right, even if you can't put your finger on it, it may be a sign that the company isn't the best fit for you.

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
Pro tip: Use industry specific publications, analyst reports, and competitor websites to gather a comprehensive view of the industry landscape.
If the company you like isn't on Flexa, and you're struggling to find out the information you're looking for, that's probably a red flag in itself - the best companies will always want to showcase what they can offer employees. But to be sure, take to Google and social media to see what you can dig up.