Resource-4
MyStartr Skills Ladder: Knowledge of Business
February 06, 2023 .4 minute read
What is it?
In simplest terms, business knowledge is your understanding of how and why a company does what it does: its day-to-day operations, along with its culture, values and organizational structure. Understanding what needs to get done and why will be crucial to your future success as an employee.
What does it mean in the workplace?
Finding out everything you can about an organization you hope to work for is important, first of all, because it shows you’re interested and engaged. All employers are pleased to interview candidates who are familiar with their business and what makes it unique. Companies that are very consumer-focused — Apple, for instance, or Aritzia — say they prefer to hire candidates who are already deeply familiar with their brands, as this makes the onboarding process much simpler.
Doing solid research is a key ingredient of any successful interview. And once you’re hired, you’ll want to keep on increasing your knowledge of the business by asking lots of questions. If there’s anything you’re unsure about during onboarding or as you move ahead in your new role, be sure to ask your leaders or colleagues to clarify. And then approach each day with curiosity and an appetite for learning.
How do employers talk about business knowledge?
• “Passionate about [our company’s] products”
• “Ready to learn and embrace our values, business goals and leadership principles”
How do employers talk about business knowledge?
Check out the company or organization’s statement of vision/purpose, mission and values, all of which are usually on the main corporate website.
Who are the senior leaders? Learning a little about the CEO and executive team, as well as the overall management approach, is a great way to prepare for an interview.
Who’s interviewing you? Through Linkedin or an online bio, learn about the person you’ll be talking to, and look for common interests or experiences that will help you make a connection.
