Page 68 - 301 Best Questions to Ask on Your Interview, Second Edition

DO YOUR HOMEWORK

function and type in a term such as about or news releases and let the
search engine take you where you need to go.

Most companies also have a tab called “About.” Start there and
you’ll learn how the company describes itself. You’ll probably also
see options to learn about the company’s leadership, structure and
governance, and history. Spend a few minutes getting acquainted
with the leadership team and make a note of the name of the CEO.
It might come in handy.

But don’t just stop there. Most websites have a tab called “News &
Media.” This is a treasure trove of information that the company has
made available to the public. Here’s where you’ll find the company’s
news releases. Look through the recent releases so you know what
the company is proud of. It’s easy to frame questions that reference
the company’s winning of a major contract or advantageous merger.
You’ll look informed (which you are) and give the interviewer a
chance to talk about some positive news. That’s not to say you should
automatically shy away from challenging news. If the company has
had a setback, that could be the basis for an informed question as
well. The point is your questions are informed by important events
in the life of the organization.

In years past, most companies published glossy annual reports.
These reports were often the only easy way to learn about a com-
pany. Given the costs of printing, very few companies publish the
glossy varieties. But public companies are required by law to pub-
lish financial reports, and they will mail you one if you request it.
However, there’s no need to wait for the mail. For public companies,
the annual report is always available on the website. This document
is an invaluable source of information about the company and its
challenges. Pay careful attention to the letter from the management.
In that letter, the organization’s CEO lays out the company’s accom-
plishments and challenges. It will give you important clues for ques-
tions you can ask. In some cases, there is a Q&A format, so many
of the questions you might want to ask in your interview are already
there.

If your position is at the senior level or involves financial mat-
ters for a public company, I also recommend you spend time on the
company’s Web pages designed for investors. In this tab you will

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