The ultimate company research checklist before an interview

Thorough company research is one of the clearest ways to stand out in an interview. Hiring managers can instantly tell the difference between a candidate who has done their homework and one who hasn't.

What to research

The company fundamentals:

• What do they do? Who are their customers?
• How do they make money?
• What is their mission and values?
• How large are they and where are they based?

Recent news and developments:

• Have they launched any new products or services?
• Any recent funding, acquisitions, or leadership changes?
• Have they been in the news for any reason?
• What does their growth trajectory look like?

Their competitors:

• Who are their main competitors?
• What differentiates them in the market?
• Are they the market leader or a challenger brand?

Culture and working environment:

• Read Glassdoor reviews (note patterns, not individual outliers)
• Check their LinkedIn for team posts and culture content
• Do they have a careers page that describes their values?

The specific role:

• What does the job description emphasise?
• What problems is this role solving for the company?
• Who does it report to?

How to use your research

Weave your research naturally into answers:

"I noticed you recently launched [X product] — I'm particularly excited about the direction you're taking in [area]."

And in your questions:

"I read that you're expanding into [market] — how does this role contribute to that?"

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