When you’re sitting in an interview and you get asked, “What do you know about this company?” it might feel like a pop quiz. But don’t worry, it’s not meant to trip you up! This question is a chance to show that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the job.
Of course, interviewers already know plenty about their own company, so what are they really asking, and how can you formulate an answer that will impress them? We’ll lay it all out here.
Why do interviewers ask what you know about the company?
Interviewers ask this to see if you’ve taken the initiative to research the company. This matters because it shows you’re not just sending out resumes left and right. You’ve picked this company for a reason, and that suggests you’ll be more committed to sticking around.
Your research also reflects your professionalism. If you haven’t bothered to learn about the company, it might suggest you won’t put much effort into your work either. Demonstrating that you know the company well proves that you’re serious about the job.
What interviewers are looking for
Interviewers don’t expect you to know every detail, like the CEO’s breakfast choices, but they do want to see that you understand what the company does and why you want to be part of it. They’ll be looking at:
- Your knowledge of the company’s business: What the company does, how long it’s been around, and who its customers are.
- Your reasons for wanting to work there: This tells them about your motivations and whether you’re likely to be a happy, long-term employee.
How to answer “What do you know about this company?”
Research ahead of time
Even if you have a basic knowledge about the company when you apply, it’s a good idea to do a little digging before your interview, so you know more than the average person. Look up recent news articles to see what the company has been up to. Also check their social media for how they interact with customers and what kind of brand image they project.
Cite specific details
In your answer, mention specific things that impressed you or caught your attention. Maybe it’s the company’s innovative product line, their community involvement, or their impressive growth.
Here are some topics you can use to prepare talking points:
- How does the company make money?
- Who are the company’s main customers?
- How long have they been around?
- How big is the company?
- What is the company’s reputation?
- Why do people buy from them?
Use it as a springboard
You can use this question to segue into why you’re a great fit for the company. Link what you know about the company to your own skills and interests. You can see some examples of this in our sample answers below.
How not to answer
Come unprepared
The worst thing you can do is show up knowing nothing more than the company name. You can literally formulate an answer with a quick Google search while you wait in line for coffee, so there’s no excuse for not doing it. Showing up without any knowledge is a missed opportunity to impress.
Focus on negatives
If the company has been in the news for something bad, like layoffs or legal issues, steer clear of those topics in your answer. Let the interviewer bring them up if they choose to.
Sample answers to “What do you know about this company?”
Example #1
“I’ve been following your company’s growth since you launched the first app, and I’m impressed with your commitment to user-friendly design. It’s clear you’re leaders in the tech space, which is exactly where I want to be. I’m eager to bring my experience in UX design to a company that values innovation as much as you do.”
Example #2
“I read about your recent initiative to use recycled materials in all your products by next year. I admire that sustainability is at the core of your business, not just an afterthought. With my background in environmental science, I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to a company that aligns with my values.”
Using these tips, you can craft an answer that not only shows you’ve done your homework but also positions you as a thoughtful, informed candidate who’s a perfect fit for the company.