Researching Potential Employers

There are many ways to research information on a company prior to completing an application for a position. The more you know about the company and slant your application based on that knowledge, increases the likelihood that you will be seriously considered for the position. Below is a list of tools that will be helpful, it is by no means exhaustive.

The Internet

• Search the Internet to find the company's web site. You can search for the company's web site address by using a search engine or call the company and ask for their Web site address. If the company doesn't have a web site you may still be able to get information by using the following resources:
            Hoover's Online: The Business Information Authority 
            Nasdaq 
• For additional resources that offer free Internet access and provide company information visit your local library.

The Company Itself

• Contact the marketing department for company literature.
• Ask for an annual
  and financial report and any additional marketing materials the company may
  have. 
• Offer to pick up the information so you can see the company and perhaps
  ask the receptionist additional questions.

Call your contacts throughout your network

• Perhaps you have a friend who works at the company 
• Clients or vendors may have information.
• Speaking with someone through a professional organization meeting may
  yield useful information 
• Network with everyone

Library

• Local newspapers, The Wall Street Journal, business directories, employer profiles and periodicals can be found at local and career libraries and include important information about local and national businesses
• If you do not know how to find the information, ask the resource librarian

Advertising

• Pay attention to television, newspaper and radio ads for company advertising about their products or services. Billboards are another source to consider
• Companies tend to emphasize what is important to them in their advertising
• If you know the advertising agency the company uses, call them for information

Some of the information you want will be easy to get, some of it will be more difficult. Here is a list of questions to use as a guide when researching a company. Don't worry about answering all the questions; just do the best you can.

Gather information about the company or organization:

·       How many employees work here?

·       How long has the company been in business?

·       How many previous owners?

·       Is this the regional or corporate office?

·       Is the company a subsidiary or a larger company?

·       What are the major products or services the company provides?

·       How financially stable is the company?

·       Who are the company’s competitors?

·       What kind of reputation does the company have?

·       What are the company’s values and mission statement?

·       What are the major weaknesses of the company?

·       What are the benefits offered by the company?

·       Any additional questions you may have.

Gather information about the position: This research topic is best done by asking for an official job description. Alternative methods include searching the Internet and networking.

·       How did the position become open?

·       What are the day to day job duties and responsibilities?

·       Is there a career path?

·       Who is the supervisor?

·       How many people (if any) will I supervise?

·       Where does this job fit into the organization's structure?

·       What is the salary range for this position?

·       What did the last person do well/poorly?

·       Any additional questions you may have.

Gather information about the interviewer: This research topic is best done by networking.

·       How long has he/she been with the company?

·       What is his/her level and area of responsibility?

·       What is his/her management style?

·       What is his/her communication style?

·       What is his/her reputation within the company?

·       Any additional questions you may have.