Mastering Interview Prep: How to Research a Company Before the First Round

As a candidate preparing for a first-round interview, doing your homework on a potential employer is one of the most critical steps in your interview prep journey. Whether you have heard about the company before applying for a position or not, it’s beneficial to spend some extra time researching your potential future employer to find out what they value below the surface. At Professional Alternatives, we work with job seekers every day who are navigating new career opportunities, and we’ve seen firsthand how impactful strong interview preparation can be.

When you take the time to research a company thoroughly, you not only show respect for the employer’s time but also gain the insights needed to assess whether the organization aligns with your goals and values. Below, we’ve outlined the best practices for company research before a job interview, and how to strategically use that information when it’s time to sit down with a hiring manager. Explore this guide before conducting your research for a great map on where to begin.

Comprehensive Interview Prep: How to Research a Company Before the Interview

1. Start With the Company’s Website

Your first stop should be the company’s official website. Focus on the “About Us” section, leadership bios, press releases, and any blog or news content. This gives you foundational knowledge about the company’s history, goals, and current initiatives—context that will help shape the rest of your research and your answers during the interview. These pages are what the company is presenting to the public, and is a great way to begin your understanding of their processes and practices.

2. Understand the Mission Statement and Core Values

Dig into the company’s mission statement and core values. These can often be found on their website, typically in the About or Careers section. Ask yourself: Do these values align with your own? Are they reflected in how the company operates and presents itself publicly? Understanding this can help you determine whether the company is a cultural fit—and allows you to reference this alignment during your interview. In the end, you should feel confident in the fact that your professional values overlap with those of the company you may work for.

3. Research the Leadership Team

Get to know the company’s executives and leadership team. Understanding who’s steering the organization—and their professional backgrounds—can offer valuable insight into the company’s direction and priorities. LinkedIn and the company’s website are great resources for this aspect of your interview prep. Research the CEO and any public statements they have made or interviews they have participated in. Company culture starts at the top, and a knowledge of how their perceive their company and their colleagues speaks volumes.

4. Review the Company’s Financial Health

Depending on the company’s size and whether it’s publicly traded, you may be able to review quarterly reports, investor briefings, or financial statements. Resources like Yahoo Finance or the SEC’s EDGAR database (for U.S. public companies) can be useful. For private companies, look for industry reports or business news articles that provide context on growth, funding, or recent business moves. Recognizing whether these companies have had positive growth quarters or struggled in the past could change your desire to continue in the interview process.

5. Explore Their Social Media Presence

Social media accounts, particularly LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram, often provide a more casual, real-time look into company culture, community engagement, and recent milestones. Pay attention to what they’re posting about—whether it’s community outreach, DE&I initiatives, or internal team celebrations. Recognize what it is they care about sharing more frequently with the public, and the perception they are building within the social realm.

6. Look Into Employee Benefits and Perks

If the company lists benefits on its career site, take note. This could include health insurance, flexible working arrangements, professional development opportunities, or wellness programs. Knowing what they offer shows you’re serious about evaluating the opportunity thoroughly, and can prepare you ahead of time for any questions you might need answered during your interview.

7. Review the Company LinkedIn Page and Employees

The company’s LinkedIn page can show you company size, employee growth, recent hires, and updates. Click through profiles of current employees, especially those in your department of interest, to get a feel for the career paths and experiences of the people you may be working with.

8. Search Recent News and Developments

Use Google News or a similar news aggregator to search for any recent headlines involving the company. This might include leadership changes, acquisitions, new product launches, or—importantly—any red flags. Being aware of recent developments allows you to speak knowledgeably and ask timely questions during the interview. Use this information carefully depending on what it is you discover.

9. Check Glassdoor Reviews – But With Perspective

Glassdoor can provide insight into company culture, salary expectations, and the interview process. While individual reviews should be taken with a grain of salt, recurring themes—positive or negative—are worth noting.

10. Get to Know Their Competitors

Understanding the company’s position in the industry helps you ask smarter questions and demonstrate your strategic thinking. Who are their top competitors? What differentiates them? Where do they fall in growth of the market. This research shows that you’re thinking about the bigger picture, and care about the company’s future.

11. Tap Into Your Network

Use LinkedIn to see if you have any mutual connections who have worked at or with the company. A quick conversation can provide honest insights that may not be publicly available and help you ask more informed questions during your interview. These candid conversations can also prepare you for what a potential interview may consist of, and what you may need to practice ahead of time.

12. Learn About the Hiring Manager

If you know who will be interviewing you, take time to research their role and background. LinkedIn is your best friend here. Knowing a bit about their career path or professional interests may help you build rapport more naturally. Finding a common connection or good talking point leaves opportunities for you to be easily recalled amongst a group of interviewees.

Using Your Research Strategically During the Interview

Be Ready to Answer, “Why Do You Want to Work Here?”

This is your opportunity to tie your research into your personal career goals. Mention specific aspects of the company’s mission, recent projects, or leadership approach that resonate with you. This shows the hiring manager that you’ve taken the time to truly understand what the company stands for, and recognize where you see yourself fitting within their organization.

Reference Insights Throughout the Conversation

When asked questions like “What do you know about us?” or “What excites you about this role?”, use your research to frame thoughtful, tailored responses. Referencing specific facts or recent company developments can leave a strong impression.

Share Strategically—Don’t Overshare

While it’s great to come in prepared, don’t try to force every detail you learned into the conversation. Use your insights where relevant, and allow them to guide your questions and responses organically. Don’t feel the need to prove that you took the time to conduct this research, it should flow naturally within the scope of the conversation.

Ready to Take the Next Step in Your Job Search?

Preparing for a job interview takes more than just brushing up your resume—it takes meaningful interview prep, research, and confidence. If you’re actively searching for a new job or considering a career change, our team at Professional Alternatives is here to help.

We specialize in matching top talent with top employers and can support you at every stage of your job search—from resume feedback to interview coaching and beyond. Connect with one of our experienced recruiters today to take the next step in your career journey.