CMC Library Ledger

Help! I really DO have an interview in an hour!

Recruiter feedback consistently shows that it's critical to prepare for an interview by researching the company, its products and services, and the industry. If you're pressed for time, here are some tips on what to focus on:

If you have fifteen minutes to prepare:

• For public/large companies: Scan the company’s MarketLine report – this comprehensive overview includes the company’s products and services and an extensive SWOT analysis that can help you favorably position your skill set. Watch a tutorial.
• For private/small companies: Scan the company's PitchBook profile, especially the company highlights and news coverage.
• Check the industry IBISWorld report – read the At a Glance summary at the top of the report, and take a look at the industry call preparation questions at the bottom of the left menu on the report. Watch a tutorial.
  • For niche and emerging industries not covered by IBISWorld, try Statista for industry dossiers like this one on artificial intelligence.
• Search Factiva for breaking developments affecting the company/industry - use the company and/or subject filter, covers corporate/industrial news. Watch a tutorial.

If you have 30 minutes, do that AND:

• For public companies: Read Mergent Intellect’s First Research Industry Report – especially the call preparation questions. Find the company profile, then go to the Industry tab and open the industry report you want to read. Watch a tutorial.
• For public companies: Read the most recent quarterly earnings call transcripts. For a tutorial, check out our blog post Earnings Call Transcripts Made Easy.
• For private companies: Check out the CB Insights and PrivCo profiles for the company in addition to the PitchBook company profile. Look for news articles and industry insights.
• Check EMIS for industry reports in addition to reading the full IBISWorld industry report and/or checking Statista.

Questions? Reach us on Slack @CMC Library or email us at cmclibrary@kellogg.northwestern.edu.