A job
candidate’s knowledge about a potential employer is important in making a good
first impression. But what are the things a job candidate should know about an
employer before they arrive at an interview? Let’s take a look at a few:
1.
A
job candidate should understand the employer’s business. What type of services does the company
provide? What are the employer’s
core business objectives?
2.
A
job candidate should know who the employer’s clients are? Do they mostly
service individuals or businesses?
Understanding this will help the job candidate tailor their responses to
the needs of the employer’s primary clients.
3.
What is the company’s mission, their
values and vision? Being able to
connect your experiences, values and vision to that of the employer will help
them understand that you are a good fit culturally.
4.
How
well positioned is the employer within their industry? Where do they rank in
revenue, size and status? Also,
what are the employer’s aspirations?
Do they dream of someday being number one in revenue, size or status?
5.
What
type of corporate culture exists within the company? Are they micro-managers? Or, do they expect employees to
work independently? Do they have a
habit of thoroughly training new hires or do they expect you to jump right in
and be a “quick study”?