Why research employers?

Researching employers is a critical part of any job search.  Conducting research on specific employers will help you focus your job search on companies whose values and focus match your own.  You will also be able to tailor your resumes and cover letters to suit particular company’s needs.  According to employers, many interviewees do not research the company beforehand.  If you do your research and can ask relevant questions or discuss what you’ve learned during the interview, you will make a stronger impression. 

What should I research?

Read the company’s mission statement to learn what philosophy or values are guiding the organization.  Research the company’s leadership, organizational structure, and any important projects or products with which the company has been involved recently.  Where is the company located?  Are there many opportunities for growth or to transfer within the organization?  What job openings are there?  At the very minimum, you should know what the organization does.

Where should I research employers?

• Career counselors, professors, class speakers

• Internet – www.hoovers.com – great resource to browse companies or industries.  You can also go directly to the organization’s web site.  If you do not know the web site, use a search engine such as “Google” to locate the address.

• Media – Read newspapers, magazines, and professional journals.  Watch the news or listen to the radio to stay informed on current events, particularly as they involve companies/fields in which you are interested. 

• Job fair representatives – Ask questions and pick up literature on the companies.

• Networking – Ask friends, family, or co-workers what they know about a company or its reputation.

• Call or write to the company and request brochures

• Information interviews – Come to the Student Development office for a booklet on how to conduct information interviews