Table of Contents
- The underrated power of research in UX interviews
- Why research matters 🤔
- 1. You can tailor your answers
- 2. You’ll impress with smart questions
- 3. It helps you spot red flags
- 4. You’ll understand the role in context
- 5. It builds confidence
- Watch out for these job post red flags in this AMA with Florian Boelter
- What to research (and how to do it)
- 1. Industry trends
- 2. Products (even signing up to use them)
- 3. Customers
- 4. Competitors
- 5. Recent news
- 6. Company history
- 7. The leadership team
- TLDR: Go beyond the basics
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The underrated power of research in UX interviews
Interviewing is a two-way street.
It’s not just about proving you’re the right fit—it’s also about making sure the company is the right fit for you.
Researching a potential employer is one of the most underrated steps in job prep, yet it’s the difference between walking into an interview prepared or stumbling through generic answers.
Skimming a company’s website or glancing at their LinkedIn page isn’t enough.
The best candidates approach research like detectives. They dig deep, uncover insights, and arm themselves with information that can make or break the interview.
As a hiring manager, I’ve seen this firsthand: the candidates who do this kind of homework aren’t just answering questions—they’re having conversations that show they understand the company’s world.
So why is research so critical? Let’s start there.
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Why research matters 🤔
1. You can tailor your answers
It’s not enough to list your skills. You need to explain how they fit the company’s needs.
Research helps you align your experience with their challenges and goals, making your answers far more relevant.
2. You’ll impress with smart questions
“Tell me about the company culture” is fine, but imagine asking about how the company plans to address a recent shift in their market.
That level of specificity shows genuine interest and sets you apart.
3. It helps you spot red flags
Every company sounds great on their careers page, but the reality might be different.
Researching helps you identify potential deal-breakers before you’re knee-deep in a job you regret.
4. You’ll understand the role in context
What does the company really need?
Research provides clarity on how your skills can directly contribute to their success—and what challenges you might face in the role.
5. It builds confidence
Preparation is the antidote to interview jitters. The more you know, the more comfortable and confident you’ll feel walking into that room.
Watch out for these job post red flags in this AMA with Florian Boelter
What to research (and how to do it)
Let’s break down the areas that matter most when researching a company and actionable ways to tackle each one.
1. Industry trends
Why it matters: Every company operates within a larger industry. Knowing what’s shaping their world (and their competitors’ worlds) helps you understand their priorities.
How to do it:
- Read industry blogs, whitepapers, or reports. Websites like Gartner, McKinsey, or even LinkedIn articles can be goldmines.
- Search for news about recent regulations, technological advancements, or market shifts.
Example: “I noticed there’s been a big push toward sustainability in your industry. How is [Company] approaching that trend?”
2. Products (even signing up to use them)
Why it matters: You can’t truly understand a company unless you understand what they sell. Whether it’s a product, service, or platform, having firsthand experience gives you a huge advantage.
How to do it:
- If possible, use their product. Sign up for a free trial, download their app, or watch a demo.
- Look at reviews on platforms like G2, Trustpilot, or even Reddit. What do customers love? What do they complain about?
Example: “I noticed some reviews mentioned [specific feature]. Is that something your team is currently working to improve?”
3. Customers
Why it matters: Companies don’t exist in isolation. Their success hinges on how well they solve their customers’ problems.
How to do it:
- Read testimonials and case studies on their website.
- Search for customer stories in press releases or industry publications.
Example: “Your case study with [Client] was fascinating. How do you typically approach tailoring your solutions to different industries?”
4. Competitors
Why it matters: Understanding the competition gives you context about where the company stands—and where it might need help.
How to do it:
- Compare competitors’ offerings, pricing, and reviews.
- Look for gaps the company could capitalize on (or challenges it might face).
Example: “I noticed [Competitor] has been focusing on [specific area]. How does [Company] plan to differentiate itself?”
5. Recent news
Why it matters: Being up-to-date on a company’s latest moves shows that you’re paying attention.
How to do it:
- Set Google Alerts for the company name.
- Check their press releases, blog posts, or LinkedIn updates.
Example: “I saw the announcement about [recent initiative]. Could you share more about how that aligns with the company’s long-term goals?”
6. Company history
Why it matters: Understanding where a company has been helps you predict where it’s going; and how you might fit into that journey.
How to do it:
- Look for major milestones, like acquisitions, funding rounds, or product launches.
- Read interviews with the founders or leadership team.
Example: “It’s impressive how [Company] pivoted from [X] to [Y]. How did that shift impact the team’s approach?”
7. The leadership team
Why it matters: Leaders shape culture, strategy, and decision-making. Knowing who they are can give you valuable insights.
How to do it:
- Look up leadership profiles on LinkedIn. Check for posts, articles, or interviews they’ve done.
- Search for patterns in their experience; have they worked in startups, enterprise, or specific industries?
Example: “I saw your CTO recently shared insights about [topic]. How does that perspective influence your team’s approach?”
TLDR: Go beyond the basics
Research isn’t just about looking prepared; it’s about truly understanding the company and its world. The best candidates don’t settle for surface-level info; they dig deep and use those insights to stand out.
Here’s your game plan:
- Understand industry trends
- Get hands-on with products
- Dive into customer needs
- Map the competitive landscape
- Stay updated on recent news
- Explore company history
- Research leadership
When you do your homework, you’re not just another candidate. You’re someone who cares enough to know what the company is about—and that’s exactly what hiring managers want to see.
Now it’s your turn to level up. Go beyond the job description and show them why you’re the perfect fit.
You’ve got this! 💪
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