Essential Employer Research Tips Before Your Job Interview
How to Research a Company Before Your Interview
Originally published Aug 27, 2024, updated Nov 2, 2024
Introduction
After your resume gets screened and you’re invited to an interview, it’s time to dig deep into your potential employer’s background. Researching a company before your job interview gives you a clear edge, helping you present yourself as an ideal candidate and wondering where to start. Here are the essential areas to cover in your research before any interview.
What is a behavioral interview?
It focuses on a candidate's past experiences to assess how they navigated specific situations and how they would be relevant to the position.
According to Monster.com, approximately 25% of companies use behavioral interviews. They are gaining popularity because they allow the interviewer to dig deeper.
Here are some examples of behavioral interview questions.
1. How do you handle a challenge? Can you recall a situation in which you have encountered one?
When asking such a behavioral question during the interview, the employer wants to understand how you will react in a challenging situation.
Sample Answer:
I faced many challenges throughout my career and during my education. One incident I can recall is an incident in my final year. It was challenging when one of my project partners had to leave for home. A large chunk of the project was left for me to finish, and the delivery deadline was approaching quickly. I planned the work in that situation and divided the remaining project among my other teammates. The plan was efficient, and we managed to provide the best project without losing our team spirit.
2. Can you work effectively under pressure? If yes, how?
The interviewer can ask a behavioral interview question to assess how you will respond to a high-pressure job. This stress-test behavioral question aims to assess how you can work under tremendous pressure.
Sample Answer:
I have previous experience dealing with such high-pressure situations. I recall an incident during my internship where my supervisor said, "The project-x deadline rolled down from 45 days to 28 days. We should quickly develop and deploy it within the given timeline without hampering the other two projects' pace." So, I effectively allocated my tasks and set a new route to approach the projects. All projects got deployed in time.
3. How do you set goals?
This question helps the interviewer know how you plan your objectives and set milestones for what you want to accomplish.
Sample Answer:
After implementing the action plan, I reevaluate my approach to the goal. Whether it's a work or personal goal, I keep it small yet impactful. I plan a series of small goals with a given timeline that I set in my brain to accomplish.
4. Can you handle criticism?
This behavioral interview question helps the interviewer check your attitude toward receiving feedback from supervisors, seniors, and colleagues.
Sample Answer:
Often, our seniors and supervisors give feedback that we do not expect. I don't take it personally. I learn from it and understand others' perspectives. I open-mindedly accept criticism if I can learn something or get some insights that can make my work efficient.
5. How do you handle a mistake pointed out to you? Is there any specific scenario you want to highlight?
The interviewer asks this behavioral interview question to understand your approach to avoid repeating the same mistake.
Sample Answer:
I remember accidentally accessing and opening the cloud files on my non-corporate laptop, which was against that company's policy. The IT department pointed this out, and I politely accepted my mistake. I won't repeat the same error, and I apprehend the "why" of not taking such action.
6. What's your ideal approach if you disagree with someone at work?
Such a question typically assesses your people skills. This question also gauges whether you get angry or frustrated if someone disagrees with your view.
Sample Answer:
A few months ago, during my internship, I encountered a similar situation. My supervisor wanted me to solve a particular customer concern in the usual way, which could have been more effective. Without arguing, I presented a substantial case study, which he found impressive, and he finally decided to drop his approach.
7. What is the first approach you can develop if you have to manage a team-based project?
This question measures how you approach solving various problems in general.
Sample Answer:
First, I will understand the project's complexity. Then, I will sketch a map of who can be the right fit to work on that project and with what timeline. Finally, I'd request my selected team members to brainstorm and develop different ideas to see which way yields the best result.
8. Do you have any bad habits?
It is a behavioral interview question where you can showcase a potential strength.
Sample Answer:
Since I'm a perfectionist who wants to deliver complete and accurate projects, I almost missed my assignment deadlines once or twice during college.
9. How do you spend your leisure time after work?
Using this behavioral interview question, the recruiter wants to check your approach toward relaxation. Through this question, they gauge your resting attitude and behavior outside work hours or when you rest.
Sample Answer:
I prefer to utilize my time by entertaining myself or hanging around with family and friends. I watch movies, read novels and magazines, or scroll through news apps for entertainment. Also, I like to make my leisure time productive.
10. Is there a time when you failed in anything?
The primary goal of this question is to determine whether you have faced a failure. Also, this question will address you and explain a real-life situation where you have failed.
Sample Answer:
Yes, everyone fails at some point. So have I. But I understand I need the humility to admit it and learn from the experience. I could not deliver my first assignment on time, so the entire project got delayed. I could recall that scenario and realized how valuable deadlines are for a business.
In-person interviews
A sales interview can be challenging as you need to demonstrate your persuasive powers by selling yourself as the ideal candidate for the job. See our list of sales professionals' most common interview questions if you have an upcoming interview.
Interview preparation tips
There are multiple ways that you can prepare yourself for the hiring process and have a successful sales interview:
Prepare by brainstorming possible questions. One of the best ways to prepare for an interview is to brainstorm questions the interviewer may ask you. Search online for mock sales interview questions and read up on the traits that sales managers covet in a sales professional. Before the interview, ask a friend or family member to conduct a mock interview so that you can practice answering these questions aloud.
Write out a list of specific examples of your success. "I can think on my feet" or "I have great sales skills" are common responses to questions about performance ability, but they don't highlight your worth to a potential employer. Instead of abstract answers, offer specific examples that demonstrate your success. For instance, think of a particular time at a previous job when thinking on your feet resulted in a significant sale and share this anecdote with your interviewer. Telling this story (concisely and humbly) can make you a more memorable, authentic candidate.
Have a list of questions about the job and the company. Ask yourself if there's anything about the work not covered in the job description details, and craft a thoughtful question that shows you did your research. This tactic will show your interviewer that you are serious about the job. If you're drawing a blank, ask about their sales goals, average sales cycle length, or feedback process. At the end of most interviews, interviewers will ask if you have any questions about the position or company.
Dress for the role. It's a good idea for sales candidates to dress similarly to how your potential employer's sales reps dress (as long as it looks professional). Your outfit can make a big impression on your interviewer, and arriving in professional attire allows your interviewer to picture you in the role. If the dress code is casual at the sales job, dressing one level higher in formality is usually a safe bet.
Arrive early and demonstrate confidence. It's always a good idea to arrive at least 15 minutes early for your interview because it signals to the employer that you are eager and gives you time to prepare beforehand mentally. Bring a notepad with your prepared questions and use the time before the interview to brainstorm any other queries you may have for your interviewer, rather than sitting in a lobby chair staring at your phone. Sit upright and confidently, or stand with your legs slightly apart or your hands on your hips, with your chest outward. These power poses can boost your confidence before going in and snagging the job.
Mastering behavioral interviews and sales interview preparation is crucial for landing your dream role in today's competitive job market. While behavioral questions may seem challenging initially, they present an excellent opportunity to showcase your past experiences, problem-solving abilities, and interpersonal skills. Remember to prepare specific examples using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), dress appropriately, and arrive early to demonstrate professionalism.
Whether you're facing questions about handling pressure, managing conflicts, or dealing with failure, authentic responses backed by real experiences will always make a stronger impression than generic answers. By following the preparation strategies outlined in this article and practicing your responses, you'll be well-equipped to confidently tackle any behavioral interview and increase your chances of success in your next sales role.
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Article by Eric Palmer - Chief Recruiter at MySalesRecruiter.co
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About Eric – Chief Recruiter at MySalesRecruiter.co
As a Sales Recruitment Specialist with nearly a decade of experience, I help Tech, SaaS, and Advertising companies find top-tier sales talent. At MySalesRecruiter.co, my mission is to streamline your hiring process and match you with high-performing salespeople who align with your company's values and goals. I'm dedicated to finding the perfect fit for every client and candidate by leveraging industry expertise, a personal approach, and a deep understanding of the sales landscape.
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I'm based in the stunning Columbia Gorge area of Washington State, near Hood River. The beauty of the Pacific Northwest inspires my work and drives my passion for helping companies and people succeed.
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