It's still important to know basic history about the company you apply to (applying, interview)

[allenk893]

I know what you're thinking. Common knowledge right? Not so much. Today I had a great interview with a very well known international company and they were floored by the fact that I knew and could state their company's founder, CEO, the history, etc. Basic research I thought everyone did. Apparently they either never had or rarely had job seekers that knew much at all about the company besides general information pertaining to it's industry. The rest of the interview pretty much flowed from there. I don't know if maybe my age had to do with it because I am a millenial. So this could be an age-related thing. Just thought I would put this out there for anyone that this is still a vital thing to do when looking for jobs and going on interviews.

[Suburban_Guy]

Yes, this is one of those basic things people should research before an interview, but I'm sure many don't.

In looking back at all my interviews from the past, it was rare that an interviewer point blank asked if I knew about the company and its history, etc.

A typical question along those lines would have been, "why do you want to work for us," or any such variations. This is where I usually gave them an answer that incorporated my basic research, about the products they produced, the growth they are experiencing, things like that.

So it can throw people for a loop if they come across an interviewer that asks directly.

[BusinessManIT]

It is very easy to check out companies nowadays via the Internet, Glassdoor, Indeed, etc. Everyone should do it. It would be most important to research a company for yourself as well as impressing the interviewer with your knowledge. Does it measure up to your standards? Do you want to work for a company like that?

[Tencent]

That being said, I would not recommend applying to companies with little to no public information or social media activity.

[Hemlock140]

Well done, and great advice! I have often said that when hiring, I want someone that wants to work for us, not just looking for any job. This is demonstrated in the interview by just what the OP has done, do the research and use facts about us in the interview. There have been cases where I hired someone whose enthusiasm for our open position showed through, while passing up people that were better qualified.

[Disgustedman]

I suspect you may have "Guided" the interview to that area and then showed your stuff. Or did the interviewer ask?


I have been in a few interviews where knowing some things helped, but not enough to get the job.

[carcrazy67]

There is no excuse for not knowing at least the basics of the company you intend to work for! As an employer who has hired thousands over the years, if nothing else, it can be a "tie breaker."