Before we start, we need to understand what a job interview is. It’s not your normal interview that you can take lightly, especially if you want to land the job you are striving for. A job interview is a formal meeting between you and your potential employer.
You are asked questions about you, your educational background, your work experience and how you can be a relevant asset to the company. When you go for such a meeting, one of the first questions you will be asked is “What do you know about our company?”
That is a question that requires some preparation. You don’t want to walk into your interview and sound like you don’t know anything about the company. This article will teach you how to answer this question effectively. By following our tips, you can make a great impression on your interviewer and show them that you are knowledgeable about the company!
Showing up for an interview takes a lot of courage, especially if this is one of your very first ones. You need to understand that the interview does not start until you walk into that room.
So, try to calm down, relax, and take deep breaths to slow down your heart rate and better control your nerves. Once you have it under control, you can walk in.
So, let’s learn about a few tips to prepare for the interview question, “What do you know about our company?”.
Ways you can answer “What do you know about our company?”
Do your research
This is the most important tip on this list. You cannot go into an interview without knowing anything about the company you are interviewing for. It would be best if you took some time to research the company and learn about its mission, vision and values. You can visit their website or read articles about them; this will help you understand what they do and what they are looking for in an employee.
Be specific
When asked this question, try to be as specific as possible in your answer. Mentioning a few things that you like about the company shows that you have done your research and it shows that you are interested in working for them. Read news about them and try to learn the company culture through their social media channels.
Highlight your qualities
When you are done with your research, try to relate your qualities to what the company is looking for. For example, if you are applying for a job in customer service, mention how patient and empathetic you are. If you are applying for a job in sales, highlight your ability to close deals and meet targets. That will show the interviewer that you have what it takes to succeed in the role you are applying for.
For example, “I know that your company is dedicated to providing the best customer service experience. I am confident that I can provide the same dedication and commitment to your company. I have a strong track record of meeting targets and goals, and I thrive in a fast-paced environment. I am confident that I would be a valuable asset to your team.”
Be confident
Remember to be confident when you answer this question! Even if you don’t know everything about the company, act like you do and sound confident. That will make a good impression on the interviewer and give them the impression that you are knowledgeable about the company. Besides, being confident and looking confident is attractive, and that is the type of energy you need around you in that room.
Ending statement
To end your answer, you can say, “I am confident that I have the skills and qualities that your company is looking for. I am excited to learn more about the company and contribute to its success.” That will show the interviewer that you are interested in working for their company and eager to learn more about them.
Smile
Don’t forget to smile when you answer this question! Smiling makes you look friendly and approachable, and it will help put the interviewer at ease. It is the most human interaction you can have with someone, and it will help you build a rapport with the interviewer.
Now that we have gone over some tips, let's move on and talk about some common mistakes that people make when they answer this question. Avoid making these mistakes so that you can ace your interview!
Fidgeting is not good
When you are nervous, it is common to fidget. Fidgeting can be anything from playing with your hands to tapping your foot. It is important to avoid fidgeting because it makes you look nervous and uncomfortable. The interviewer will notice, and it will make them feel uncomfortable too. If you are someone who tends to fidget, try to keep your hands in your lap or on the table in front of you.
Not making eye contact is not a good idea
Another common mistake people make is not making eye contact with the interviewer. When you don’t make eye contact, it shows that you are not confident and hiding something. Avoid this by looking into the interviewer’s eyes when answering their questions. That will show them that you are confident and have nothing to hide.
Not having a firm handshake
When you go in for your interview, give the interviewer a firm handshake. A firm handshake shows that you are confident, which is a sign of respect. Avoid giving them a weak handshake because it will make you look nervous and unsure of yourself.
Don’t talk negative about the company
Finally, avoid talking negatively about the company. Even if you have had a bad experience with the company in the past, avoid talking about it in your interview. That will only make you look bad, and it will reflect poorly on you.
By following these tips, you will be able to ace the interview question “What do you know about our company?” and make a great impression on the interviewer. If you made it to the end of this blog, we believe you are more than ready to get that dream job of yours!
For more information, please visit the FAQs section below.
Frequently Asked Answers about interviews
How much research should I do on the company?
It is important to do some research on the company before your interview. However, you don’t want to overdo it and end up memorising everything about the company.
What If I don’t know anything about the company?
If you don’t know anything about the company, that is okay! The interviewer will understand that you might not have had the time to research the company. However, what you can do is ask questions about the company. That shows that you are interested in working for them and it will give you a chance to learn more about the company.
What If I have had a bad experience with the company in the past?
If you have had a bad experience with the company in the past, it is best to avoid talking about it during your interview. That will only make you look bad, and it will reflect poorly on you. Instead, focus on the positive aspects of the company.
Photo by Jason Goodman on Unsplash
