Tweet "Did you do your homework?"

"You can't play video games until your homework is done!"

Parents yelled these things at you for years. Were you listening? Probably not. Let's try it again for old times sake:

"Did you do your homework?"

"YOU CAN'T GO TO YOUR INTERVIEW UNTIL YOUR HOMEWORK IS DONE!"

You can walk into an agency looking sharp with a great portfolio, but do you know what you are walking into? Earlier this week, I posted (well, ranted) about people hesitant to apply for a position, because they didn't know the company. I don't believe you should blindly apply for any position. But in this age of information, there is no reason why you shouldn't know something about the company you're contacting. It gives you important advantages:

1. Knowing the company can help you better explain how you are perfect for the job.
2. You can quickly tell if you are wasting your time and theirs. The agency may not be right for you. If you specialize in direct marketing, would a digital shop be a great fit? Focus your time and efforts on opportunities that may pan out.
3. Companies like knowing that you checked them out. After all, they've already gone through your Facebook profile and anything else you've posted on the Internet.
4. Knowing the company helps you ask more informative questions. The interview goes both ways.
5. A little investigation may turn up a contact name, who can help get you to the right person and bypass the resume pile.

So study up.


Image courtesy of Anissa Thompson and stock.xchng.