Unquestionable is the importance of a good knowledge and clear understanding of the company you are interviewing with.  To know what the company does and where it is in terms of its financial situation is important information to have, not only to impress your interviewer, but also and foremost for yourself to help you make right decision.  There is an example.

A representative of a big well-known company calls you and says that they have an opening at the moment that might interest you. Once you look into the opportunity closer you understand that this organization is only a subsidiary of that big company that you know and it was recently acquainted by that bigger company. The smaller company might benefit significantly by using the larger company’s name, reputation or status. But would it be the same to work for a well-known good established organization or for its subsidiary?

Different types of merger and acquisition exist as well as different reasons for the acquisition or merger. What was the reason of the merger (or acquisition) in this case most likely will remain unknown to you.  As well as the future of the employees currently working there might be unpredictable.  Newly emerged firm is definitely at risk, also are the subsidiaries.

The companies working in the same industry obviously have similar jobs and positions. At the end of the day, eliminating duplications and reconfiguring work routines are an inevitable challenge that the company will have to go through.

It might happen not immediately.  Based on the statistics, it takes about one year or so at average for an organization to estimate the results of a merger or acquisition. Almost no acquisition can escape staff reduction on a larger or smaller scale. The emerged company is going through change which implies challenges for both the company’s business and employees.

Just for information, from 50% to 80% of mergers and acquisitions ultimately fail, one of possible consequences of which might be that the acquired company will be sold again some time in the future.

Also, the company may reduce staff in one department while kipping hiring in another.  The circumstances behind this may be different.  But most likely it is an indication of poor management decisions or management’s failure to analyze the situation in whole.

Probably, you wish to discuss these details in your job interview. It’s up to you do decide. But definitely you need to consider this while your decision making.  Or, if you work with a recruiter you should address all these questions to them.  Of course, they are willing to sell you a job, since the employer pays them; however, they are a third party and can always impart some additional information to you. In most cases recruiters give you an objective picture of what is going on in the company.

Of course, if you are in rush to nail down a job as soon as possible you would hardly spend time pondering about all nuances of the real job opportunity. However, being informed about the current situation in the organization is crucial and might be a decisive factor in your further career with this employer.

By no means have we wanted to discourage you from considering a job opportunity at a merged company.  We only wanted to mention some additional details that you need to pay attention to while considering a new job opportunity.  At the end of the day, despite all upcoming changes and inevitable reductions, there may be a certain need for a specialist with your background and qualifications.  All you need to do is just to be extra conscious and get yourself well informed in a situation like this.