When preparing for a job interview, a common myth is that spending an excessive amount of time researching the company will give candidates a significant advantage. While understanding the company is crucial, there are more effective ways to prepare. And most candidates spend too much of their time researching the company and not enough time preparing for how to sell themselves as the best candidate. 

Let’s debunk this myth and outline a better approach to interview preparation.

The Myth: More Research Equals Better Preparation

Many candidates believe that the more they know about the company, the better their chances of impressing the interviewer. They spend hours delving into the company’s history, products, and latest news, thinking that demonstrating their extensive knowledge will set them apart. This leads to:

• Spending an inordinate amount of time researching the company.
• Not preparing presentations to outshine other candidates.

The Reality: A Balanced Approach to Interview Preparation

While knowledge about the company is important, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Here’s a more effective strategy to prepare for your interview:

1.  Research the Company (20% of your preparation time)

Research the company, but don't spend more than 20% of your preparation time on this step. And do the research with purpose.  Specifically:   

•  Look for common elements between your background and the company’s mission, values, and recent achievements.
• Understand the company’s products, services, and industry position.  Understand the broader industry trends and how the company fits into the competitive landscape.
•  Prepare a few thoughtful questions about the company’s future to demonstrate your interest and initiative.

2.  Prepare Your Personal Messaging (80% of your preparation time)

The vast majority of your time should be spent preparing your own personal messaging. Use this preparation time to:   

• Focus on your own experiences, skills, and accomplishments. Think of yourself as the product you are selling.
• Create a list of key points that highlight your strengths and how they align with the company’s needs.
• Develop a clear narrative that connects your past experiences with the role you are applying for.

3. Strategize Your Interview Goals

Define your interview strategy for each individual interview.  Build a strategy to: 

• DEFINE YOURSELF LIKE A PRODUCT and identify your skills, strengths, weaknesses and benefits.
• IDENTIFY and MASTER your message delivery techniques.
• Plan YOUR Structured Interview and how to control the flow.
• Plan responses to common and potential questions using highlights of your achievements and how they can benefit the company.
• Be ready to discuss any weaknesses or gaps in your resume honestly, but frame them in a way that shows you have learned and grown from these experiences.
• Be prepared to discuss how your skills and experiences can help the company navigate industry challenges.

Effective interview preparation is about balance. While it’s essential to know the company, it’s even more important to be able to articulate your value and how you can contribute to their success. By dedicating 20% of your time to company research and 80% to honing your personal messaging and strategy, you’ll be better positioned to make a strong impression and secure the job.

If you’re ready to learn a new approach to job interviews - schedule a free 30-minute career consultation here.