VIDEO: Researching Market Trends Before an Interview

Market Trends & Category Research - 4 Winning Strategies to Impress in Interviews!

How can I stand out in my first or second stage interview?

It’s not just about what’s on your CV - it’s about showing you understand the market and the bigger picture. Here are four winning strategies to get the most out of market trends and category research:

1. Don’t Miss the Freebies

There are a ton of free resources online — seriously, use them!

• Check out industry bodies relevant to your potential employer. They often publish annual trend reports — a goldmine for insights.

• Keep an eye on mainstream news sites like BBC, Daily Mail, and trade publications for competitor and sector news.

• Scan social media: LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter - notice themes, conversations, and sentiment. Bonus points if you also chat with friends and family for their perspective.

Bring all these bits together and you’ve got a solid picture of the sector you’re interviewing for.

2. Get Into Store

Yes, it takes time. Yes, it’s effort. But doing in-person store visits is a game-changer.

• Take notes, snap photos, and observe everything from product placement to promotions.

• This hands-on research makes you stand out in interviews, because you’re showing initiative and genuine interest.

Check out our dedicated video for tips on maximising store visits - it’s worth every minute.

3. Compare and Contrast

Don’t just look online or in-store - do both.

• Compare what you see in physical stores vs. online.

• Think about what it tells you about market context, customer behaviour, and competitor activity.

  
  

This approach gives you insight that most candidates overlook — and makes you more strategic in interviews.

4. Demonstrate Your Value

It’s not enough to know the market. You need to show how you bring value in context.

• Understand what the company and team are facing in the current market.

• Explain how your skills and expertise solve real problems and unlock opportunities.

• Show that you’re the best person for the role in this exact context.

Context is King

Pull together all your insights from free resources, social media, and store visits. Then demonstrate in your interview that you understand the market, the company, and the role, and that you’re ready to make an impact from day one.