By Patrina Pellett, PhD (Follow me on LinkedIn)

Jamie, a recent PhD graduate, was over the moon when she received her first invitation for an MSL interview. However, her excitement quickly turned to anxiety as she sat in front of her computer, overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information about the company. Hours turned into days as she went down endless rabbit holes of research, unsure of what was essential and what wasn't. Despite spending hours researching the company, she entered the interview feeling unprepared and scattered. She left the interview feeling like she didn't handle the questions about why she wants to work for this company well and unfortunately, did not get the job.

Jamie’s experience is a common one. The MSL market is a jungle and preparation is the golden ticket. As an aspiring MSL, one of the most critical steps you can take before an interview is conducting thorough company research. This preparation can set you apart from other candidates. Here’s why company research is your secret weapon.

Master the MSL Interview Why Company Research is Your Secret Weapon

1. Demonstrating Genuine Interest

Hiring managers don't want desperate people who are willing to take any job. They want to know that you are specifically interested in their company (also do your homework on the MSL role ahead of time!). Doing research on the company allows you to demonstrate genuine enthusiasm and sets a positive tone for your interview.

2. Aligning Your Skills with Their Needs

Companies are looking for people with specific skill sets. Doing your research on the company helps you tailor your application. This alignment can make your application stand out by showing that you are a perfect fit for the role.

3. Crushing the Interview Questions

Do a Google search on common interview questions and "Why do you want to work for this company?" will come up a gazillion times. It's almost a guarantee that you will be asked this question. You don't want to stumble and look like you haven't done your homework.

4. Understanding Company Culture

Companies look for specific skill sets but they also want to know that you will fit in with the culture. Researching the company helps you understand their work environment, values, and expectations, allowing you to assess whether you would be a good fit and to communicate this effectively during the interview.

5. Creating Impressive Interview Questions

To stick out as a candidate, you definitely want to have thoughtful questions to ask your interviewers. Company research helps you to come up with questions that will impress the hiring manager.

Common Mistakes When Researching Companies

Even though researching a company is crucial, many candidates make common mistakes that can derail their efforts. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

Going Down a Rabbit Hole

One of the biggest challenges when researching a company is knowing where to stop. It's easy to get lost in endless information, leading to wasted time and overwhelming details. Read this article on preparing smart for your first MSL interview, not hard for more tips.

Not Knowing What to Look For

Another common issue is not knowing what specific information is relevant. This can lead to either superficial knowledge or irrelevant details.

Information Overload

It's easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer volume of info out there. Prioritize official sites to help you stay focused. 

Misinterpreting Info

Understanding the jargon and nuances of the information you find can be challenging, especially if you are new to the industry. Misinterpreting information can lead to incorrect assumptions that may negatively impact your interview.

Conclusion: Why Company Research is Your Secret Weapon

The MSL job market is competitive. Not having MSL experience makes it even more challenging because most companies want people with some experience. Having a strategy in place for how to do company research and knowing what to look for is key. Conducting thorough company research before your interview is not just about impressing the hiring managers but about ensuring that the role and the company are the right fit for you (check out this article on spotting red flags). By demonstrating genuine interest, aligning your skills with their needs, and showing that you understand and fit into their culture, you can significantly increase your chances of landing that coveted MSL position.

How do you conduct company research?  Reach out to me on LinkedIn to let me know or comment on the MSL Mastery LinkedIn page.

Get Help With Company Research 

For those who find this process daunting, programs like Aspire MSL provide a step-by-step blueprint to streamline your research efforts. Tom and Sarah guide you on what specific information to look for, how to organize your findings, and how to use this information effectively during your interview. This structured approach not only saves time but also boosts your confidence, ensuring you walk into your interview well-prepared and ready to impress.