How to Answer What Do You Know About Our Company? in an Interview

Liputan6.com, Jakarta "What do you know about our company?" is one of the most common interview questions you'll face. Almost every interviewer asks it. Knowing how to answer well can set you apart from other job candidates.

Preparing the right answer shows interviewers you're serious about the job. It proves you've done your homework and genuinely want to work there. This guide will help you create an impressive response that stands out.

Why Interviewers Ask This Question

Interviewers often ask "What do you know about our company?" for several important reasons:

- To see if you've done your homework and researched the company

- To gauge your level of interest in the position and organization

- To determine if you understand the company's mission and values

- To assess if you'd be a good cultural fit for the organization

- To evaluate your preparation and communication skills

By asking this question, the interviewer wants to know if you've taken the time to learn about their company. They want to see that you're truly interested in the job and not just applying to any open position. Your answer shows how much effort you've put into preparing for the interview.

A good response demonstrates that you understand what the company does, its place in the industry, and why you want to work there specifically. It's a chance to show you've done your research and are enthusiastic about the opportunity.

How to Research a Company

Before your interview, it's crucial to research the company thoroughly. Here are some effective ways to gather information:

- Visit the company's official website

- Read their "About Us" page carefully

- Look at their products or services

- Check their social media accounts (LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook)

- Read recent news articles or press releases about the company

- Look up the company on sites like Glassdoor for employee reviews

- Search for interviews with company leaders or executives

- Review the company's annual report if it's publicly traded

- Talk to current or former employees if possible

Take notes on key information like the company's history, mission statement, values, recent achievements, and any challenges they may be facing. Pay attention to the company culture and work environment. This research will help you formulate a well-informed answer.

Key Points to Cover

When answering "What do you know about our company?", try to touch on these important points:

- The company's main products or services

- When and how the company was founded

- The company's mission statement or core values

- Recent news, achievements, or initiatives

- The company's position in its industry

- Any unique aspects of the company culture

- The company's size and locations

- Notable clients or partnerships

- The company's goals or future plans

You don't need to cover all of these points, but mentioning a few key facts shows you've done your research. Focus on the information most relevant to the position you're applying for.

How to Structure Your Answer

A good answer to "What do you know about our company?" should be well-organized and concise. Here's a simple structure you can follow:

1. Start with a brief overview: Mention the company's name and what they do.

2. Share 2-3 key facts: Highlight the most important or interesting things you've learned.

3. Connect to the job: Explain how this information relates to the position you're applying for.

4. Express enthusiasm: Show your interest in working for the company.

Keep your answer to about 1-2 minutes. You want to show you've done your research without giving a long speech. Be prepared to expand on any points if the interviewer asks follow-up questions.

Here are two example answers to help you craft your own response:

Example 1:

"I know that XYZ Company is a leading software development firm that has been in business for over 20 years. You're known for creating innovative mobile apps that have won several industry awards. I was particularly impressed by your recent project that helps small businesses manage their finances more efficiently. Your company values creativity and teamwork, which aligns well with my own work style. I'm excited about the possibility of contributing to your mobile development team and being part of such an innovative company."

Example 2:

"ABC Corporation is a global manufacturing company specializing in eco-friendly packaging solutions. Founded in 1985, you've grown to have operations in 15 countries. I admire your commitment to sustainability, especially your goal to be carbon neutral by 2030. Your company culture emphasizes continuous learning and professional development, which really appeals to me. I'm particularly interested in your recent expansion into biodegradable materials and would be thrilled to contribute my engineering skills to help advance these initiatives."

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When answering "What do you know about our company?", be careful to avoid these common pitfalls:

- Giving a generic answer: Don't just say "You're a great company" without specific details.

- Reciting the entire company history: Keep your answer focused and relevant.

- Mentioning only basic facts: Go beyond what's obvious from a quick glance at the company website.

- Guessing or making things up: If you're not sure about something, it's better not to mention it.

- Focusing only on the company's products: Show that you understand the company's values and culture too.

- Saying negative things: Even if you've heard criticisms, keep your answer positive.

- Talking too much about yourself: The question is about the company, not your qualifications.

Remember, the goal is to show that you've done thoughtful research and are genuinely interested in the company.

Tailoring Your Answer

It's important to tailor your answer to the specific company and position you're applying for. Here's how:

- Focus on relevant information: Highlight aspects of the company that relate to the job you want.

- Match the company's tone: If it's a formal company, keep your answer professional. If it's more casual, you can be a bit more relaxed.

- Address the company's current needs: If you know they're expanding in a certain area, mention your interest in that.

- Connect to your skills: Subtly show how your background fits with what you know about the company.

- Show enthusiasm for their mission: If their goals align with your values, express that.

By customizing your answer, you show that you're not just reciting facts, but have thought about how you fit into the company.

Practicing Your Response

Practice is key to giving a confident, natural-sounding answer. Here are some tips:

- Write down your answer and read it out loud

- Time yourself to make sure it's not too long

- Practice with a friend or family member

- Record yourself and listen back to improve your delivery

- Try answering without notes to test your memory

- Be prepared to expand on any points if asked

The more you practice, the more comfortable you'll feel during the actual interview. But remember to keep your answer sounding natural, not memorized word-for-word.

Follow-Up Questions to Ask

After answering "What do you know about our company?", you might have a chance to ask your own questions. Here are some good follow-ups:

- "Can you tell me more about [specific company initiative or project]?"

- "How does this role contribute to the company's overall mission?"

- "What do you enjoy most about working here?"

- "How would you describe the company culture?"

- "What are the biggest challenges facing the company right now?"

- "Where do you see the company in 5 years?"

These questions show you're engaged and interested in learning more. They can also give you valuable insights about the company and the job.

Answering in Virtual Interviews

If you're doing a virtual interview, keep these tips in mind when answering about the company:

- Make sure your background is professional and distraction-free

- Look directly at the camera to maintain "eye contact"

- Speak clearly and at a moderate pace

- Have notes nearby, but don't read directly from them

- Be prepared for potential technical issues

- Show enthusiasm through your tone and facial expressions

Virtual interviews require extra attention to how you present yourself, but the content of your answer should be just as thorough and well-prepared as in an in-person interview.

Answering for Small or Lesser-Known Companies

If you're interviewing with a small or not well-known company, you might need to adjust your approach:

- Focus on the company's niche or specialization

- Mention any unique services or innovative approaches

- Discuss the company's local impact or community involvement

- Talk about the company's growth potential

- Highlight any awards or recognition, even if they're not widely known

- Mention key team members or leadership if the information is available

For smaller companies, showing that you understand their specific market position and value can be very impressive.

Demonstrating Industry Knowledge

When discussing what you know about the company, it's helpful to show some broader industry knowledge:

- Mention industry trends that affect the company

- Compare the company's position to its competitors

- Discuss how the company is innovating in its field

- Talk about industry challenges and how the company is addressing them

- Mention any industry awards or recognition the company has received

This shows that you understand not just the company, but its place in the larger business landscape.

Addressing Company Culture

Company culture is an important aspect to touch on when answering this question:

- Mention any core values the company promotes

- Discuss the work environment (collaborative, innovative, etc.)

- Talk about any employee programs or benefits that stand out

- Mention any community or charitable initiatives the company is involved in

- Discuss how the company's culture aligns with your own values

Showing that you understand and appreciate the company culture can help the interviewer see you as a good fit.

Discussing Company Challenges

If you're aware of any challenges the company is facing, you can carefully mention these:

- Acknowledge a known challenge in a positive way

- Discuss how the company is working to overcome obstacles

- Mention how your skills could potentially help address these challenges

- Show enthusiasm for being part of the solution

Be careful not to be overly negative or critical. Frame challenges as opportunities for growth and improvement.

Showing Interest in Growth Opportunities

Demonstrating interest in the company's future can make a good impression:

- Mention any expansion plans or new markets the company is entering

- Discuss upcoming product launches or new services

- Talk about the company's long-term goals

- Show enthusiasm for potential career growth within the company

- Ask about opportunities for professional development

This shows that you're thinking about a long-term future with the company, not just the immediate job opening.

Aligning with Company Values

Showing how your personal values align with the company's can be powerful:

- Mention specific company values that resonate with you

- Give examples of how you've demonstrated similar values in past roles

- Discuss why these values are important to you personally

- Show how your values would contribute to the company culture

This alignment can help the interviewer see you as a good cultural fit for the organization.

Mentioning Competitors

If you choose to mention competitors, do so carefully:

- Acknowledge the competitive landscape without criticizing other companies

- Highlight what makes this company stand out from its competitors

- Discuss the company's unique selling points or competitive advantages

- Show understanding of the company's market position

Be positive and focus on why you're interested in this particular company, not why you're not interested in its competitors.

Incorporating Recent News

Mentioning recent company news shows you're up-to-date:

- Discuss any recent product launches or updates

- Mention new partnerships or collaborations

- Talk about recent awards or recognition

- Discuss any major company announcements

- Show how recent news relates to the role you're applying for

This demonstrates that you're actively following the company and are genuinely interested in its current activities.

Discussing Products or Services

Show your understanding of what the company actually does:

- Mention key products or services the company offers

- Discuss how these products or services benefit customers

- Talk about any unique features or innovations

- Show enthusiasm for the company's offerings

- If possible, mention personal experience with the products or services

This demonstrates that you understand the core business of the company and are excited about its offerings.

Connecting to the Company Mission

Linking your answer to the company's mission can be very effective:

- State the company's mission or purpose

- Explain why this mission resonates with you

- Discuss how your skills can contribute to this mission

- Show enthusiasm for being part of achieving this mission

This demonstrates that you're not just looking for any job, but are specifically drawn to this company's goals and vision.

Answering "What do you know about our company?" is a crucial part of any job interview. It's your chance to show that you've done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position. By researching thoroughly, focusing on key points, and tailoring your answer to the specific company and role, you can make a strong impression.

Remember to keep your answer concise, relevant, and enthusiastic. Practice your response, but keep it natural and conversational. Be prepared to expand on any points if asked follow-up questions. By demonstrating your knowledge and interest in the company, you'll show that you're a serious candidate who would be a valuable addition to their team.

With proper preparation and practice, you can turn this common interview question into an opportunity to stand out and move one step closer to landing your desired job. Good luck with your interview!