How To Research An Employer Before a Job Interview

Researching potential employers is a great strategy to stand out during a company’s hiring process. Digging into what a company is all about can better prepare you for interviews and make a stronger impression.

If you’re wondering why you should research a potential employer, statistics show that 50% of job applicants don't receive an offer as they lack knowledge about the company they're applying to.

Understanding more about a company can help recognise what they do and what they’re looking for in a candidate. It also gives you the chance to answer questions with confidence and show why you’re the perfect fit for the job.

We’ll break down how to research an employer before a job interview below, so you can feel more prepared and confident going into your interview. 

How To Research A Potential Employer

Before your interview, here are five things you should know about the company you’re applying to. 

1. Understand What Sets The Company Apart

A great way to show that you’ve done your homework is to highlight what makes a company unique, especially compared to its competitors. Fortunately, many companies provide this information right on their websites.

Start by checking out the company’s mission and values, often found in the ‘About Us’ section. This is where you’ll get insight into what drives the company and what makes it stand out. 

For example, while most tech companies may highlight ‘innovative solutions’, you might discover that this particular company emphasises ‘employee development’ in particular, which sets it apart from others in the industry. 

Review the company’s basic details too, such as its size, location, and history - so you don’t end up asking questions that are easily answered with a quick scan of their site. 

​

2. Look Into Salary and Perks

When considering a job, one of the first things to check is the salary offered for the position. Check that the pay matches your expectations and is competitive within the industry. 

Alongside salary, look into the additional perks and benefits that the company provides. Keep in mind that certain employee rights, like minimum wage, statutory sick pay, and paid time off, are legally mandated. Be aware of these rights to help you assess extra benefits the employer might offer. 

Some companies may offer higher-than-usual salaries or more generous paid time off, while others could provide unique employee benefits packages, including gym memberships, wellness programs, or discounts.

This information is often included in the job description, so take the time to read through it carefully. If you found the position through a job site, check the company’s website for more details on salary and benefits, as they often provide a link in the listing. This will give you a clearer idea of what to expect. 

3. Check The Company’s Online Presence

70% of employers believe that all companies should screen potential candidates' social media profiles during hiring. This can reveal a lot about a person, so it’s only fair to do the same and learn about the company’s recent activities. 

Start by Googling the company to catch up on any recent news or announcements. Beyond just the search results, corporate blog pages are valuable resources, particularly for growing companies. Whether they’re introducing new team members or sharing details about a recent product launch, blog posts offer insight into what a company values and is excited about. 

LinkedIn is another excellent tool. Visit the company’s page and check out their updates - whether it’s celebrating achievements, team milestones, or special events. This will help you understand the company’s communication style and priorities, which can be great conversation starters during the interview. 

While on LinkedIn, take a moment to view the profiles of the people you’ll be interviewing with. It’s a smart move that shows you’re genuinely interested and that you’re doing your research. Plus, if they see that you’ve checked out their profile, it subtly shows that you’ve put effort into learning more about the team. 

Check out the company’s social media profiles on X and Facebook. Pay attention to the tone that they use - whether it’s formal or casual - and how they interact with followers. Are they engaging with customers, handling complaints, or celebrating wins? 

These insights will give you some useful talking points for your interview, as you can mention positive things you’ve found during your research. 

​

4. Investigate Company Culture From Every Angle

Blog posts and social media can help you assess a company’s culture, but a deeper dive into external sources can reveal much more.

Websites like Glassdoor post reviews from current and former employees, so you can see what it’s like to work there and what a company’s like behind the scenes. You probably won’t mention these details in your interview, this information can help you better understand the company’s strengths and potential red flags. 

Even better, if you can, reach out to someone who has worked or currently works at the company. You can ask specific questions related to your interview, such as, “I’ve heard the company is expanding in Europe, how has that affected the team’s day-to-day operations?”

These conversations can deepen your understanding of the company and have the potential to impress your interviewer. 

5. Look Into The Hiring Manager

Before your interview, always look up the hiring manager or person conducting your interview on LinkedIn. 

Take note of their career trajectory, professional achievements, and any shared interests. Understanding their background can tell you what their values and management style are like, which can help you tailor your responses to align with what they might be looking for in a candidate. 

Forbes mentions that engaging in small talk is a key skill for acing a job interview. Finding commonalities - whether it’s a shared university, mutual connections, or a similar professional background - can be a great conversation starter, making it easier to establish rapport and make a personal connection. 

Look for any recent posts or articles they’ve shared, as this can give you a sense of their current focus or interests. This extra preparation can help you connect on a deeper level and demonstrate that you are genuinely interested in those that you may be working with. 

​

6. Understand What Sets The Company Apart

Recruiters are an invaluable resource when preparing for a job interview. Since they work directly with hiring managers, they have insider knowledge about the company’s culture, expectations, and salary details, information which you might not find online.

Recruiters can also help you tailor your approach for an interview, ensuring you present yourself as a strong fit for the role. They can offer interview preparation tips, including what specific qualities the employer is looking for in their candidates.

If you have specific questions about the role, a recruiter can gather those answers directly from the business, acting as a bridge between you and the company. Their relationships with hiring managers often mean they can provide additional context or advice tailored to the role you’re pursuing. 

At Yolk Recruitment, our recruiters use industry expertise and close relationships with employers to give you an edge. 

You can find guides on handling interviews, CVs, and positioning yourself as an ideal candidate on our career advice page. A recruiter’s guidance will help you feel fully prepared to make a great first impression and secure the best role for you.

How Can We Help

We hope that our guide on how to research an employer before a job interview helps you on your career journey.

If you’d like help finding your next job, get in touch with our recruitment specialists for guidance on perfecting your CV, or browse our other recruitment services on our website. 

Call us on 02920 220078 to find out more.