Newsletter issue: #149
Read time: 1m 26s

Yeah, no shit. Groundbreaking advice Chris 🙄

But seriously…

Most people’s idea of “research” is:

Glancing at the company website for 45 seconds, while simultaneously watching show reruns, texting their mum, and making instant noodles.

Or worse, ask AI to summarise.

That’s not research.

That’s not even effective multitasking.

That’s barely a C+.

Real research is what separates job offers from “we’ll be in touch” emails.

Spoiler: they never get in touch.

Look, after 73 applications, researching #74 feels pointless. I get it, but maybe instead of:

• Skim the “About Us” page
• Check LinkedIn for 30 seconds
• Google “[Company] + controversy” to make sure they’re not evil

We should:

• Use their product (yes, actually sign up and try it)
• Look at their competitors
• Stalk recent company news
• See where the industry is heading
• Check out leadership team’s background

I once had a candidate tell me they “I didn’t have time to look at your website”.

I mean, WTF. Fair to say, we never saw them again.

But research isn’t just about impressing the interviewer. It’s about figuring out if you even want to work there.

I spent 6 months at a company before realising their core values was “listen, say yes, and stfu”.

A little research would’ve revealed their 3.7 Glassdoor rating. And I quote: “the higher ups just make decision based on their own mood” and “not inclusive culture at all.”

Those were real Glassdoor reviews I just looked up.

Interviewing without company research is like swiping right on whoever and showing up to dinner with zero information.

Not the most comfortable moment.

Instead, look up the company on Crunchbase, read their last 3 blog posts, and check their socials.

15 minutes to put you ahead of 80% of candidates.
​⚠️ Caution: 15 minutes is a good starting point.

In this job market…

It’ll take more than that to stand out.

PS. If I was looking for a UX job tomorrow, here’s what I’ll do ⤵

How to research companies for UX interviews (full guide)