Research the Company

You should research to your heart’s content, but at a minimum, you need to know the following:

The full name of the company and its correct spelling.
The name of the president and/or CEO.
The industry the company fits into.
The product(s) and/or service(s) the company offers.
Other key players/competitors in the industry.
Major announcements made by the company recently.
3 questions that demonstrate your understanding of the company’s business.

Most of this information is easily retrievable from the company’s Web site. If the organization doesn’t have a Web site, request copies of annual reports, brochures, press releases, and any other informational materials (sometimes called “sales or marketing collateral”) from the person who set up your interview, the human resources department, or the receptionist.

Read the material several times, making notes about what you learn as well as things that confuse or trouble you. Bring your notes to the interview–unlike most tests in life, you’re allowed to bring your notes to help improve your performance.