These days with so many people battling for the same jobs, gaining a face-to-face interview can feel like an achievement itself. However the hard work doesn’t stop there. If you are given the chance for a face-to-face job interview it is essential that you are fully prepared, as it will make or break your chance of employment.

In order to make a good impression you will need to have significant knowledge about the industry and be able express how your skills will add value to the company.

Conducting research prior to your face-to-face interview is critical.

The importance of conducting research

Conducting research will enable you to gain a better understanding of the company and job role. You will then be able to use the knowledge you acquire to put across how your skills and values match those of the organisation and industry. Interviewers are impressed by candidates that show they have thoroughly researched a company prior to an interview.

What information should you look for?

When conducting research for your interview, you will need to gain an understanding of how the industry works. It is important to focus on how the company you are interviewing with functions within the industry and what their role is. Those keen to make a good impression will look into the problems a particular business faces and come up with possible solutions that will set them ahead of their competitors.

Research the skills and qualities that professionals working in the industry share and compare them to the skills and qualities you possess. You will also need to research industry trends, as it is likely that you will need this knowledge in order to answer various questions throughout the interview process.