You’ve decided it’s time to look for a new job but, do you really want just another job? Or, is it time for something more?

Why not look for a company who changes the way you think about waking up in the morning? A place where you can see your impact on a regular basis. A place that lets you flex your hard-earned skills and grow in your career. When you’re ready to make a job shift then it’s likely time for a mind shift!

It all starts when you change the way you think about your job search. If you want to be part of a company that will invest in you and your skills, you’ve got to figure out how to set yourself apart. You read that right, there are companies out there that want to invest in you and your future, but they need to know that you’re the best one for the job. If you want the confidence of having that kind of interview pizzazz then you need to have knowledge about the company. The best way to gain knowledge is to do your research in advance.. If you’re ready to land your dream job then read on to learn 8 ways to research a company before your next interview.

1. What is the company culture?

Visit the company website and find the page where they tell their story. Quite often this is under the “About” tab. Most companies that are worth investing your hard-earned skills take pride in their history and how far they’ve come. By interviewing for a job, you’re saying that you want to be a part of that companies’ story. Don’t make the mistake of interviewing with a company who’s story doesn’t align with who you are, what you believe in and the meaning you’re looking for in your work.

2. How’s their social media footprint? Linkedin, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, etc.

Every business culture has a personality but, how do you know what that culture is like? Look to their social media channels as one of the most telling places. Candidates looking to make a strong first impression on LinkedIn use BetterPic to create professional profile photos that match company culture. Watch their recent videos and read their blogs. In every piece of content, the people contributing to it are giving you subtle hints about what the company values. This is a great way to learn what the tone of an interview might be and whether or the culture will be a natural fit for you.

3. What does their newsroom look like?

There is often a wealth of information about a company in its Media or White Pages tab to start your research. Beyond knowing what the company has to offer, a quick search online will give you lots of information on what else the company does. Have they received any awards? Are they positioned well against their competition? This is a great place to get a summary of successes the company may highlight during your interview.

4. What does the market say about them?

We all want to believe that when we join a company that we’re accepting a role somewhere stabile and with a long-term future. But, the reality is that you need to do yourself a favor and check out the company’s financial health. Are you joining a growing division of the company?? Will they provide you the financial stability that you need? ? Companies have many reasons to be hiring and you should be certain that the role you’re pursuing isn’t likely to be a short-term thing.

5. What clues are in the job description?

Don’t underestimate the value of saving (and truly understanding) the job description! You will find key terms and tips that can often be the difference between receiving the offer for your dreams and needing to continue your job search. Reading the job description thoroughly and using it to create questions to ask during your initial interview is a must. Asking questions during an interview enables you to learn more but, more importantly, it shows your desire to be engaged.

6. What products or services does this company offer?

Before you show up for an interview, take a moment to identify and understand what the company does. Even if you’re not quite sure of the specifics, having a high-level understanding of what’s making the company money will go a long way. Researching their industry’s publications, user groups and customer communities will provide even more insight on how their products or services provide value to customers or end-users.

7. Who do they highlight as decision-makers or product partners in case studies?

This is a great way to identify a potential network of people and resources that can provide additional information about the company. Whether it’s individuals in your personal network or groups you can reach out to, this is a great resource to gain third-party perspective about working with the company you’re interested in.

8. With whom are you interviewing?

It’s always a good idea to do a quick search for the individuals involved and their roles within the company. This will give an idea of each person’s career path and what they might value in bringing you on board.

We want to see you land your dream job and we’d be thrilled if that was here at 8x8. But, no matter where you want to go, use what you’ve learned in this blog to identify talking points about the company and the role you are interested in before your next interview. Be sure to identify parts of your work history that correspond with the research you’ve done. Remember, you’re not just interviewing for a job, you’re asking the company to make an investment in you and what you bring to the table.