While networking helps you develop professional connections that can lead to job interviews,

your qualifications and connections can only increase your chances of getting hired so much.
What can really set you apart from other interviewees is how well you prepare for interviews.

The first step in your interview preparation is to do some organization research. This
doesn’t mean that you should memorize every detail about the organization; instead, establish
a basic understanding of what it does and how it differs from its competitors. This
information will help you identify the parts of your resume that you should emphasize in your
interview. By doing this, you’ll demonstrate your commitment to joining the organization.

Here are some resources you can use for your organization research:

Organization website

Visit the organization’s website to learn more about its mission and how it positions itself in
the industry. Discover what qualities the organization values and determine how you’d fit
into its work culture. You can also cite any work they’ve done, statistics shared, or other
pieces of content during your interview.

Industry news

Search online to learn about the organization’s industry and see if the organization has been
in the news recently. Be ready to discuss any major stories you find and to ask about the
organization’s plans for the future.

LinkedIn

Scan the organization’s LinkedIn page to get more information on the kinds of work it does
and employees it attracts. During the interview, you can ask about different groups the
organization is associated with or even various industries current employees come from.

Next, you’ll need to do some position research. If you don’t know what the job entails,
you’ll have a hard time demonstrating why you’re the best fit for it. Keep in mind that the
same job title can mean different things in different organizations, so go to the organization’s
website to confirm its expectations for the role and make sure that your resume matches
them. Use the information you find as a guide for framing your responses to interview
questions. If you know what the organization wants in its employees, you can adjust your
resume and responses to reflect those values and draw a direct connection between your
background and its needs.