Things to Research for Your Graduate Job Interview

Congratulations! You’ve successfully progressed to the next stage of the hiring process and secured an interview for your graduate job. This is a significant achievement, but now you might be wondering what comes next and, more importantly, how you can make a lasting impression during the interview. To truly stand out from other candidates, thorough preparation is key. One of the most important aspects of this preparation is research—understanding both the company and the role on a deeper level.

So, to prepare for your upcoming graduate job interview, here are several aspects you need to research:

Understand the company

To prepare for your graduate job interview, start by digging into the company’s background. Find out about its history, major milestones, and how it has evolved. Get to know their mission, vision, and values since these are the driving forces behind the organisation. Familiarise yourself with their main products or services and any recent news, like new product launches or major changes.

Check out the company’s website, especially the “About Us” or “Careers” sections, to get a sense of their work environment and what employees may experience on a day-to-day basis. Dive into their social media pages, read employee reviews on sites like Glassdoor, and explore company blogs to get a feel for the company culture. Look for hints about their approach to work-life balance, teamwork, and how they recognise and reward employees. Are they formal or more relaxed? Do they emphasise innovation and creativity, or are they focused on tradition? Understanding these details will help you figure out if you’d be a good fit and how to tailor your responses to match their company.

Industry and competitors

When preparing for a job interview, it’s essential to extend your research beyond just the company you’re applying to. Start by gaining a comprehensive understanding of the industry in which the company operates. This means delving into how the industry is structured, identifying key players, and recognising the major trends shaping its future. Plus, it may be beneficial to understand technological innovations or emerging markets, as well as the challenges they may face, like economic shifts.

Additionally, take the time to familiarise yourself with the company’s competitors. Research their strengths, recent developments, and market strategies to gain insight into how the company you’re interviewing with positions itself within the competitive landscape. Staying updated on recent news about both the company and its rivals—such as new product releases or strategic moves—will also prove to the interviewer that you’re well-informed.

Salary guidelines for your chosen industry

Researching salary expectations for the role and industry you’re aiming for is a smart move before your graduate job interview. Not only will you gain a clearer insight into what similar positions earn; it’s about making sure that the compensation offered aligns with your skills, experience, and industry norms.

Start by checking out websites like Glassdoor and LinkedIn Salary Insights. These resources can give you a good idea of the average salary for your target role. Keep in mind that factors such as location, company size, and your level of experience can all affect salary ranges. Having this information allows you to approach salary discussions with confidence. If the offer seems lower than what you’ve found in your research, you’ll be in a strong position to discuss it. You can use your salary data to make a case for a more competitive compensation package that reflects your expertise and the value you bring to the role.

Interview questions

When an interviewer asks, “Tell me about yourself,” it might be tempting to dive into personal anecdotes or hobbies. However, this question is actually an opportunity to expand on the experiences and qualifications listed on your CV. Aim for a brief, 1-2 minute summary that covers your professional background, notable accomplishments, and what you can bring to the table.

Focus on highlighting key experiences and skills that are relevant to the position. Instead of just listing what you’ve done, explain what you’ve learned from those experiences and how they’ve prepared you for the new role. A well-crafted elevator pitch can be particularly useful here..

Besides preparing for this introductory question, be ready for various types of job interview questions:

1. Competency-based questions: These questions focus on your skills and abilities related to the job. Prepare to give examples that demonstrate your expertise and how you’ve effectively applied your skills in past roles.
2. Behavioural questions: These questions explore how you’ve handled specific situations in the past. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to provide clear, structured answers that showcase your problem-solving abilities and achievements.
3. Situational judgment questions: These involve hypothetical scenarios related to the job. Think about how you would approach and resolve these situations, demonstrating your critical thinking and decision-making skills.

On the hunt for a new job? Get in touch with Inspiring Interns

If you’re on the hunt for a new graduate job and feeling overwhelmed by the process, consider reaching out to Inspiring Interns. We specialise in connecting individuals with exciting career opportunities and offer personalised support to help you find the perfect role.

With our expertise and extensive network of employers, Inspiring Interns can streamline your job search and guide you toward a position that aligns with your career goals. Get in touch today!