Interviews Archives - Fusion Career Services

The most important part of the job search is the interview. This is where you come face-to-face with the hiring manager. Doing your homework on company research will better prepare you for the interview.

You’ve updated your resume, sent it out, possibly had a phone screening, and (YES!) you’ve landed an interview. Now you wait, right?

Wrong. Being well-prepared for the interview is vital before you get into the hot seat. It’s time to start doing your homework.

What kind of research should you do?

It’s best to start with the basics. These four steps will set you off on the right foot:

First, check their ‘About Us’ or ‘Overview’ page. This page will take you through the history of the company, when they started, who founded the company, why they are in existence and what they are doing presently. The Mission Statement explains the company’s goals and values. This tells a story of what they’ve done and where they are headed.
Next, head over to their ‘Portfolio’. Various companies may label this differently. Their portfolio shows the types of projects they have worked on, and what type of work they typically do. So, you will find who their main customers are or which industry they serve the most.
Look at the company’s corporate social responsibility section. You will learn about how they participate in voluntary activities to better the society.
Search Google for recent news articles that involve the company. This will give you an external perspective. Branch out to company/product reviews to get a feel for the company’s reputation.

A hiring manager gauges your knowledge about their company. For instance, what types of projects have they worked on? Who are their customers? How do they give back to their community? Be sure to explore anything outside of these points too, it is important to go through areas of the website that are relevant and learn as much as you can. Don’t limit yourself to only their website.

A skim read is good enough

NO! Envision where you can see yourself fit in. Do not be afraid to broach the topic during the interview. Your interviewers will be impressed that you took the time and effort to do your homework.

Don’t stress

Employers are not looking to see if you can memorize their website. They want to know if you’re prepared. Prepared to answer those types of questions, and to see how much research you can do with limited resources. Not all websites will give you all the information you need and that’s okay. Look externally. Google it!

Spend quality time doing your homework

It will make you seem well informed. It will show the employer the amount of interest you have and how dedicated you are to want to be working for them. These are all positive qualities to have when interviewing.

Show what you know

Most candidates do not do this step and consequentially do not stand out. But, make sure that you do not bring it up where it is not appropriate. The best time to show your research might be at the end, during the chance to ask questions.

Want more? Check out Indeed’s extensive list of suggestions here.

There isn’t really a right or wrong answer to crazy questions interviewers ask.

As a seasoned interviewee you have prepared detailed stories outlining your past experiences and achievements that showcase you in the best light. However, some hiring managers will still try to throw you off guard by asking you crazy questions during the interview. These questions are not necessarily designed to help break the ice, but are a questioning tactic used to help catch you unfiltered.

There isn’t really a right or wrong answer to crazy questions that might be thrown at you during an interview. These questions are designed to help you think more creatively and help the interviewer get better insight into your personality. It’s a way for potential employers to get to know you better without asking questions that are too personal and possibly illegal.

Before you answer an unusual question, take some time to mull it over and be sure you understand the question clearly. Ask for clarification if needed. Answer questions as honestly as possible while remaining professional. It is traditional for hiring managers to ask about your past experiences and qualifications that help make you a good candidate for the position. Strange questions that make you think quickly are excellent in helping hiring managers determine other important qualities. Some examples of good qualities employers are looking for are: empathy, sensitivity, good communication skills as well as the ability to think on one’s feet.

Here are some crazy questions interviewers ask:

What was the last book you read?

Employers like potential employees who keep current on industry trends and read publications as well as local and world news.

If you could be any character in fiction, who would you want to be?

Your answer to this question could help reveal a lot about your interests and personality.

If you had the opportunity, what historical figure would you invite to dinner?

You should consider answering this question by choosing a historical figure related to your particular industry. Even if you would be interested in meeting another person, stay focused on the job you want.

If you only had six months left to live, what would you do with the time?

Your answer to this question will help give you an opportunity to express your goals and planning style.

If someone were to write a biography about you, what do you think the title should be?

Your answer will show your creativity, personality and will offer a summary of your accomplishments.

These are just a small sample of crazy questions interviewers ask. Do you have an unusual interview question to share?

Interviews

Doing Your Homework – Job Search Company Research