The balance of power during job interviews changed with the widespread use of networking sites like LinkedIn, Plaxo, MySpace, and FaceBook.  These sites provide a highly visible place for individuals to create profiles and selectively disclose elements of their life. 

Companies search these sites to prescreen applicants even before inviting them for interviews. The resume and cover letter are no longer the only data sources used by companies when deciding on job applicants. 

Many articles stress the importance of candidates managing their online profiles in this world of online transparency. But the sword of Internet transparency cuts from both sides of the blade.  Interviewers often have online profiles that candidates can search before walking through the interview door.

This job search environment is unique from previous recessions because both interviewers and applicants have equal access to information about individuals and organizations.

The Internet provides tools that job applicants can use to research companies and people. Business-oriented networks like LinkedIn provide tools to see through organizational walls and learn valuable company-specific data that can help throughout the interviewing cycle.

Hoovers.com, ZoomInfo.com and HighBeam.com provide access to publicly available company and individual information from multiple news sources.  Pubic companies must disclose more data than private companies due to investment and securities laws.  Individuals can access a company's quarterly and annual reports to learn valuable details that help prepare for job interviews.  Private companies can also be researched through their press releases, professional associations and the annual reports of competitors.

Before your next interview try the following to enhance your knowledge of the company and the interviewers:

Public Companies
Download the company's annual 10-K report (from their web site) and read “Risk Factors”.  This shows you what company leaders feel are their top business risks.  Knowing these issues can help you ask informed questions during interviews.

Private Companies
Read company press releases from their web site and their competitors. Read 10-K report from publicly traded competitors.

Interviewer Data
Search interviewer data on LinkedIn.com, Hoovers.com, ZoomInfo.com and HighBeam.com.

Use the company and interviewer information to create compelling and business focused questions that you will ask of your interviewers.  This is an outstanding way to differentiate yourself from your competition and secure a great job offer.

Best of luck on your next interview.  It is the most important moment in your search for a better position.

 (Learn How To Secure The Job Offer)

Michael R. Neece, CEO Interview Mastery
508-435-2647
mneece@interviewmastery.com