How To Answer “What Do You Know About Our Company?”

When an interviewer poses the question, “What do you know about our company?”, they aim to assess your level of preparation and understanding of their organization.

In this article, we will explore what interviewers are looking for, how to craft your answer, and provide illustrative examples.

Key Takeaways:

• The interviewer wants to determine if you are adequately prepared for the interview.

• Maintain a positive tone in your answers and avoid mentioning any negative aspects of the company.

• Focus on aligning your responses with the company’s values and demonstrate how they resonate with your own.

How to Answer “What Do You Know About Our Company?”

This question is straightforward to prepare for, as it doesn’t require a detailed anecdote. Instead, you can emphasize how your strengths align with the company’s values and mission.

Follow these steps to guide your research and gain insight into the company:

1. Research and review the company website. Spend time exploring the company’s website. Understand their self-description, recent projects, and initiatives. While researching, consider the following questions:

   • What type of organization is this? Is it a corporation, nonprofit, government agency, or startup?

   • What products or services do they offer? Who is their target audience?

   • What is their annual revenue?

   • How large is the organization? How many employees do they have? How many locations do they operate?

   • What type of individuals do they typically hire?

2. Express your interest. During the interview, convey enthusiasm and a genuine interest in the company. Your answers should reflect an understanding of the company’s values and how they align with your personal values.

3. Review employee feedback. Utilize platforms like Glassdoor to gather insights on current and former employee experiences. While it’s important to recognize that negative feedback may be more prevalent, positive reviews can be a valuable talking point in your conversation.

Additional questions to consider:

• What is the company’s purpose? Why was it founded?

• What is their mission? What goals do they aim to achieve?

• Who are the founders? What is their background?

• What significant milestones has the company reached since its inception? Have they received any notable awards?

• How do they position themselves within their industry?

Example Answers to “What Do You Know About Our Company?”

1. Example Answer 1: Healthcare

   “I admire your mission to provide high-quality, affordable healthcare, as well as your commitment to educating individuals on making informed health choices. I also value your initiatives in collaboration with local partner organizations to extend healthcare access globally. This dedication to fostering a healthier world resonates deeply with my passion for helping and educating others.”

   Why it works: This response demonstrates that the candidate has researched the company and aligns their values with the organization’s mission, showcasing a genuine connection to the company’s purpose.

2. Example Answer 2: Green Industry

   “Founded in 2008, your company aims to advance the accessibility of solar energy for utility, corporate, and commercial sectors, independent of government incentives. Initially focused on residential solar, your transition to commercial rooftop PV has positioned you as a leader in large-scale solar projects.

   I’ve noted your positive employee reviews highlighting growth opportunities and your strong emphasis on safety. These aspects excite me, as I seek to advance my career alongside a forward-thinking company like yours.”

   Why it works: This answer reflects comprehensive knowledge of the company’s origins, products, and history, while also demonstrating familiarity with industry-specific terminology, enhancing the candidate’s credibility.

3. Example Answer 3: Founder-Focused

   “When I think of industry leaders, XYZ Corp stands out. Your exceptional commitment to customer service is impressive, and I’ve learned about your dedication to employee satisfaction through my research.

   I’ve viewed presentations by your founder and CEO, Barbara Kennedy. Her vision of continuous evolution is inspiring to me, particularly her emphasis on lifelong learning, which I strive to incorporate into my own work routine.”

   Why it works: This answer personalizes the candidate’s admiration for the company and highlights specifics about its founder, reinforcing a genuine interest and alignment with the company’s values.

Tips to Keep in Mind When Answering “What Do You Know About Our Company?”

• Avoid excessive details. Refrain from discussing negative feedback or quoting disgruntled employees. Keep the conversation professional and focused.

• Stick to relevant topics. Discuss aspects such as their products, services, mission, and what differentiates them from competitors.

• Be concise. Highlight key points without delving into an exhaustive history of the organization.

• Prepare questions to ask. During your research and the interview, formulate questions that express genuine curiosity about the company.

• Compliment the company. If your research yields positive findings, convey your enthusiasm. Genuine compliments can leave a favorable impression on the hiring manager or recruiter.

Why Interviewers Ask “What Do You Know About Our Company?”

When interviewers ask this question, they are not seeking a detailed history of the company; they are gauging whether you have made an effort to prepare for the interview.

A solid understanding of the company’s background can enhance your appeal as a candidate, especially if your personal career goals align with those of the organization.

Many candidates mistakenly think they will learn everything necessary during the interview itself, neglecting crucial pre-interview research. Arrive equipped with knowledge about the company to effectively tackle this question.

Consider the Hiring Manager’s Perspective When Answering “What Do You Know About Our Company?”

Try to understand the hiring manager’s role and daily responsibilities. Move beyond rehearsed responses to foster a genuine conversation by connecting with the company and its leadership.

Consider the following questions about the hiring manager:

• What is their background?

• What are their professional goals?

• Why is this position open?

• What challenges do they face?

Even if the interviewer seems unengaging, arrive prepared with insights that can impress them. Interviewers seek candidates who exude authenticity and enthusiasm, and thorough pre-interview research can help you convey that impression.

Questions Similar To “What Do You Know About Our Company?”

Interviewers may ask questions that echo “What do you know about our company?” to delve deeper into your understanding. Prepare similarly for these related inquiries:

• “Why do you want to work here?”

• “What interests you about this position?”

• “What contributions would you make at this company?”

• “What excites you about our company?”

• “How do your values align with ours?”

• “What do you envision for your career?”

These questions are interconnected, requiring you to draw parallels between yourself and the organization.

Final Thoughts

Demonstrate your understanding of the company’s mission and articulate how your skills can contribute to their success. Prepare a succinct statement that showcases your qualifications and achievements in relation to their goals. Convey your insights with a balanced positive attitude without excessive enthusiasm, making you appear genuine rather than overzealous.

By learning about the company’s details and history, you can formulate insightful questions for the interviewer. The more you discover, the more you might find yourself passionate about the company and the industry.

Merely reciting memorized facts won’t set you apart as a candidate. Conducting comprehensive research not only aids in securing a job but also clarifies what you seek in an employer and career.

References

1. Department of Labor – Interview Tips

Author

Maddie Lloyd

Maddie Lloyd was a writer for the Zippia Advice blog focused on researching tips for interview, resume, and cover letter preparation. She's currently a graduate student at North Carolina State University's department of English concentrating in Film and Media Studies.