Researching a Company When Contacted by HR
In today’s dynamic job market, it’s not uncommon to receive calls from HR representatives of companies you’ve never heard of before. With the tech industry constantly evolving and new companies emerging regularly, it’s crucial to conduct thorough research to make informed decisions about potential job opportunities. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do when you get a call from an unrecognized company:
1. Take Notes:
- Job Role and Description: Note down the job role, responsibilities, and any specific details about the work.
- HR Contact: Save the HR representative’s name and contact information, including their phone number. If there’s an email, keep it for future reference.
2. Visit the Company Website:
- Explore the company’s official website.
- Focus on the “About Us” or “Our Story” section to understand the company’s history, mission, values, and key executives.
- Look for information on products or services, target market, and any recent news or press releases.
3. Check Social Media Profiles:
- Examine the company’s presence on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
- Gain insights into company culture, recent achievements, and community involvement.
4. Explore LinkedIn Metrics:
- In the free version of LinkedIn, find the “Insights” section on the company’s LinkedIn page.
- Look at the “Total Employee Count” to understand the overall size of the company.
- Consider large employee counts for stability or smaller counts for a potentially more intimate work environment.
5. Assess Median Tenure:
- Understand the distribution and growth of company employees by function over time.
- A higher median tenure indicates positive workplace culture, job satisfaction, and employee engagement.
6. LinkedIn Company Page:
- Read the “About” section for the company’s mission and values.
- Check recent activity for insights into projects, achievements, and company culture.
- Review open positions to understand the company’s growth and focus areas.
7. Mutual Connections:
- Check for mutual connections with current or former employees.
- Check if someone you might know or are alumni from your previous work or university alumni.
- Reach out to these connections to gather additional insights about the company.
8. Understand Values and Culture:
- Identify the company’s core values and cultural aspects.
- Consider how well these align with your own values and preferences.
9. Prepare Questions for the Interview:
- Formulate thoughtful questions based on your research.
- Demonstrate genuine interest and a proactive approach during the interview.
Conclusion
Thorough research is the key to making informed decisions when considering opportunities from unrecognized companies. By following these steps, you can gain valuable insights into the company’s size, culture, and potential for career growth. Remember to approach the process with curiosity and a readiness to adapt to new and exciting possibilities.
