Pre-Interview Company Research Guide

Created by Cheli

A comprehensive checklist to thoroughly research a company before your job interview. Covers company basics, culture, recent news, industry context, and interview preparation.

21 Items

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Published May 17, 2026

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Checklist Items (21)

Visit Company Website Homepage

Start with the main website to get an overall impression. Note the design, messaging, and first impressions. Look for the main navigation and key sections.

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Read the About Us Page

Find the company's mission statement, history, founding story, and core values. This reveals what they prioritize and their narrative.

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Check the Leadership Team Page

Review photos and bios of executives. Note their backgrounds, tenure, and any notable achievements or career paths.

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Find Careers or Jobs Page

Look at currently open positions to understand growth areas and hiring priorities. Note the language used in job descriptions.

Research Company Leadership

Understanding who runs the company provides insight into culture and direction. Look for recent interviews and public statements.

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Find CEO and Executive Bios

Read detailed biographies of C-suite executives. Note their leadership style, previous roles, and any public statements about company direction.

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Search for Executive Interviews

Look for podcasts, conference talks, or news interviews with leadership. These reveal priorities and personality.

Explore Company Culture

Company culture significantly impacts your day-to-day experience. Research how the company presents itself and how employees perceive it.

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Check Glassdoor Reviews

Read recent employee reviews (both positive and negative). Look for patterns in feedback about management, work-life balance, and growth opportunities.

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Review Company Social Media

Check LinkedIn, Twitter/X, and Instagram for company posts. Note the tone, content types, and how they engage with employees.

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Look for Culture Awards

Search for 'Best Places to Work' awards, diversity recognitions, or other culture-related certifications.

Review Recent News and Press

Recent news reveals current priorities, challenges, and achievements. Be prepared to discuss relevant news in the interview.

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Search Company News Last 6 Months

Use Google News to find articles about the company. Note major announcements, product launches, or leadership changes.

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Find Press Releases

Check the company's press room for official announcements. Focus on recent partnerships, expansions, or product updates.

Analyze Financial Performance

For public companies, financial health indicates stability and growth trajectory. This is especially important for larger organizations.

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Review Annual Reports or Investor Presentations

Look for the latest 10-K, annual report, or investor deck. Focus on key metrics, growth rates, and strategic priorities.

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Check Stock Performance

If public, review stock price trends and analyst coverage. Understand major factors affecting the company's valuation.

Understand Products and Services

You should be able to articulate what the company does and what makes it unique. This shows genuine interest and preparation.

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List Main Products or Services

Create a list of the company's top 3-5 offerings. Understand what problems they solve and who their target customers are.

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Identify Competitive Advantages

Determine what differentiates this company from competitors. Look for patents, exclusive partnerships, or unique market positions.

Study Industry and Competitors

Understanding the broader context shows strategic thinking. Know how the company fits in its industry.

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Identify Main Competitors

List 3-5 direct competitors. Understand how the company differentiates itself and what challenges it faces.

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Research Industry Trends

Know the major trends affecting the industry. Be prepared to discuss how the company is positioned to address these trends.

Prepare Role-Specific Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your research and genuine interest in the role and company.

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List Questions About the Team

Prepare questions about team structure, dynamics, and what success looks like in the role. Ask about reporting relationships and team goals.

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Prepare Questions About Growth

Ask about professional development opportunities, career paths, and how the role has evolved for previous employees.

Review LinkedIn Presence

LinkedIn provides insights into company activity and employee demographics. This is valuable for understanding the organization's current state.

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Check Company LinkedIn Page

Review follower count, recent posts, and employee engagement. Note the company's LinkedIn activity level and content strategy.

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Research Your Interviewers

Look up your interviewers on LinkedIn. Understand their backgrounds, tenure, and roles to find common ground.

Prepare Your Own Pitch

Tie your research to your own experience. Be ready to explain why this company specifically interests you.

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Connect Your Background to Company Needs

Identify 2-3 ways your experience directly addresses company challenges or goals you discovered in your research.

Public Checklist: Pre-Interview Company Research Guide