There is no excuse for not having a response to this question as it often comes up. Whatever the particular job that you are applying for, the interviewer will expect you to have some knowledge of the organisation, and the more the better. Whether you have seen an advertisement, been sent a job description or person specification or read literature about the company, you should have some information to offer. Even if you do not really know much about the organisation and it is one of many that you are applying for, you need to remember that the employer concerned thinks the job and the organisation are unique. The more you know, the more suitable you will seem.
Make some effort to search the internet for any information that may exist. First look up the name of the organisation using a search engine. Most medium to large organisations now have a website which outlines their main business and gives details of current priorities and past endeavours. If you can find nothing on the company directly, try looking up a competitor or reading about the sector in which the company is based. If you do not have your own computer, try the local library. They will have helpful and knowledgeable staff who will help you, and many reference materials, printed and computerised, that they can introduce you to. Try to evaluate the information you research – can you draw any conclusions about the organisation from the way it is presented?
If you have found no prior information then at least use your eyes and ears in the interview. Are there brochures or posters in evidence? How do the staff seem to relate to each other and outsiders? What first impressions have you gained? Get talking to reception staff about how they find working there. Sharing your thoughts on these topics, always stressing positive points, will show you are alert and interested.
I once interviewed someone who had arrived for her appointment knowing nothing about the organisation. She had been sent no information when applying for the post but spent her time wisely once she arrived. When I asked her this same question she replied:
“Well, I saw that the walls of the main corridor are covered with thank-you letters from your clients so I know that you offer a good service to them. The waiting area is clean and tidy, which means you care about the impression you are making. I can see that the centre is full so you must be successful and your receptionist, Janice, was very friendly to me when I arrived so I know your staff like working here. When I came in I picked up your annual report and can see the variety of work you carry out with local people, which is very impressive.”
So was she and, needless to say, she got the job.