How to show you know the company and can contribute
During a job search, you should make the most of every opportunity to showcase your skills and illustrate how you are a fit with the company or organization. As you do this, focus first on the company itself. Why is this important? By developing a comprehensive understanding of the organization and it’s needs, you’ll be able to better understand and then explain how you can be a valuable employee. Tell them why you want to work there. Do your research and then carefully craft your pitch. You can accomplish this doing your research on the company, understanding where it’s going, and then aligning your skills and experience with a role within the organization that will help them get there.
It’s common practice to research a company that interests you. As you do this, go beyond the company website. You can start there, but there are so many other valuable sources. Check out industry news and publications. Where is the company positioned within their industry? Connect with employees and other professionals that work for the company and within its space (partners, suppliers, competitors, etc.). Find out from them what kind of reputation the company has and if they’d recommend it. Glassdoor and LinkedIn are also great sources of information.
Next, find out where the company is headed. This is important, as you don’t want to nab a great role only to have the company sold or dissolved after you get settled into a role with them. Find out what the trends are within the industry. Also, what are the challenges? Is the company aware of them and managing business in a way that effectively responds to both the trends and challenges? This can affect both its short- and long-term success and profitability.
Now that you’ve done your research, it’s time to tell them why you want to work at the company and how you will bring value to help them accomplish goals and objectives. Don’t give a generic answer or recite facts from their website such as their tagline, the number of people they employ, or an annual revenue figure. You will stand out from other candidates if you show that you’ve conducted research that goes beyond these basic talking points and then integrate how that information supports your candidacy. You can mention what you like and respect about the company, and how that aligns with your values. You can connect your specific skills and experience with what’s required in the role and how you can contribute to the company’s growth and success. Illustrate that you understand the business, both its opportunities and challenges. You can also tell them why you’re excited to work with the team specifically and how
As a candidate, you will be evaluated by a prospective employer through each and every stage of the hiring process. Show the company that you’ve done your research, you want to work there, and that you can contribute. You’ll be able to express this in many ways, especially through your cover letter and interviews. And as they evaluate you, make sure you evaluate them as well! Be attuned to the details and ask great questions along the way. That will lead to a match that will be successful for both you and your new employer!
