Do Your Homework (Or Don’t Bother Showing Up)

The simplest advantage in hiring—and why most people still ignore it

Working on yourself to prepare for something will help nobody but yourself. Shadow work is one example of doing something to get out of your head. I have practiced this on and off over the years and was reminded by this when I saw this book at the store the other day.

The one thing that will immediately improve your chances of landing a job or closing a deal?

Preparation. Focus. That’s it.

And yet… it’s shocking how often people skip it.

I’m constantly surprised by how many candidates I speak with who’ve done little to no research on the company. Not even the basics. You can feel it within the first 60 seconds.

I was reminded of this again recently while working on a senior technical role. Candidate after candidate started interviews without really knowing what the company did, who they served, or why the role even existed.

It puts you on your heels instantly.

Instead of building momentum, you spend the first five minutes playing catch-up—covering things that could’ve been handled with 10 minutes of prep.

Not a great way to start.

Then every once in a while, you get someone who gets it.

I spoke with a candidate recently who had gone deeper—looked at the company’s investors, understood the business model, and came in with thoughtful ideas on how they’d help the company grow.

Completely different conversation.

More engaging. More strategic. More impressive.

That’s the person who stands out.

Here’s the reality:

There’s no excuse anymore.

You’ve got unlimited access to information. You’ve got AI tools that can break down a company, prep you for interviews, and help you think through smart questions in minutes.

You don’t need to chase down a busy friend for advice.

You just need to care enough to prepare.

At the end of the day, this isn’t complicated.

The candidates who prepare win more.

The ones who don’t… keep wondering why they’re not getting offers.

Your move.