Maybe our clinical trial staffing firm is a bit unique, or possibly I just have high expectations, but I expect every candidate who interviews for a position with us to have at least reviewed our website and have some type of understanding on what we do. Our website gives the candidate the opportunity to learn our history, achievements, what we are currently working on, and our culture. In addition, when I put a candidate in front of one of my clients, I expect that candidate to know what that client’s organization does as well.
More importantly, by doing your homework and knowing what the company with which you are applying does before you speak with a company representative, you demonstrate your sincere interest and willingness to become a part of their organization. It will also show your drive to succeed. It is important for you to express that something the company does, creates, or represents has appealed to you personally. By preparing, you show you weren’t applying to just any job listed, but instead display that you took the time to hand-select this particular company for a reason, just like they hand-selected you for an interview.
During the interview, the hiring manager will most likely ask questions like “What do you know about us and what we do? How will you fit into our organization? What are your career goals and how will working with this company enable you to work towards obtaining those goals?” You must know what the company does before you can expect them to seriously consider you as a future team member!
Additionally, having background information on what a company does will build your confidence. Knowing what they do will give you insider information to the questions they will most likely ask. This knowledge will also help you leverage the skills and experience you already have and will give you the opportunity to match those skills to the company’s mission and goals. You must also be familiar enough with their goals to be able to project fresh ideas, and express an excitement and an eagerness about the company. And just as important as these things are, they won’t matter at all if you are not dressed properly for the interview.
You can also review the company’s profile on LinkedIn, which is a well established professional website. You can view the employees, both current and past, that have been linked to this company and see where these individuals have taken their careers after working there.
Lastly, be sure to note where you think the organization is going based off your research. You will want to convey that both your and the organization’s goals align. Be clear that where they are headed is where you would like to be and that you would like to contribute to their success.
For more insight on how to prepare for interviews, check out our other interviewing articles.
Have any questions? Ask the clinical trial staffing team here and we will be happy to help.
Investing in a Lifetime of Success,
Angela Roberts
