Researching Employers
Prior to the interview it is critical that you thoroughly research the company, position, interviewer, and salary range.
“Doing your homework” with good employer research demonstrates to your interviewer:
- Interest and enthusiasm for the job
- Preparation for the interview
- Knowledge of the company
- Readiness and understanding of the transition to professional work world
The good news is that today it is easier than ever to access the information you need. But this also means that employers expect candidates to have completed this important step and often tell us that there is “no excuse” for a candidate to be unprepared. Candidates that are unfamiliar with their prospective employer are at a disadvantage in the interview.
Research the Organization
While it is not necessary for you to memorize every detail about a company, you should know:
|
Company's products or services |
Size of the organization |
| Location of headquarters & offices | Vision, Mission, Values |
| Leadership team names & titles | Major competitors |
| Key accomplishments & future goals | Typical career paths |
| Recent news/developments | Company press releases |
| Organizational culture | Company history |
Sources of information for employer research
| Industry directories & databases | Company web site |
| Company literature | Annual reports |
| Professional associations | Newspapers |
| Employees (current or former) | Trade journals |
| Networking contacts (family, friends, etc) |