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Researching the Organisation

Before you attend any job interview, take some time to find out as much about the company or organisation as possible. Not only will your interviewers be impressed that you cared enough to learn about their company, but it will give you a better understanding of how the organisation will suit you, and what you will be able to offer it. Consider researching details such as:

  • What the organisation does
  • Size
  • History
  • Ownership (public, private, group, independent)
  • Structure
  • Locations
  • Reputation
  • Market position
  • Product details
  • Management style
  • Culture
  • Strengths
  • Weaknesses
  • Competitors

There are many excellent sources of information from which to base your research; a good starting place for any large organisation would be its public relations or customer services departments. The internet is also a good source of information and many companies now have their own web page.

If the company is listed on a stock exchange, its annual report will give you more details on the company and its internal operations. You may also learn about the organisation from trade publications or the business pages of newspapers; this may give you some valuable background information on personalities, problems and opportunities.