Reasons to Research Companies
There are several good reasons that make it worthwhile to spend some time researching companies when job hunting, and all are important for the success of your search for the perfect job. First and foremost, taking time to research employers will give you an idea of the companies in your industry and areas of interest. You will also be able to identify companies that are hiring and the types of jobs they have available.
If you are applying for a job, you will want to know as much as you can about the company before you sit down for an interview. Learning more about the company will make you feel more comfortable, and you will be able to ask questions that show your genuine interest in the position.
After thorough research, you will be a fully prepared candidate for the job. Knowing details about the company’s goals, vision, products, policies, and culture will reflect to the hiring manager your strong interest in the position and your ability to quickly integrate into a productive role.
Focus on Your Industry or Area of Interest and Expertise
Use some of your precious research time on companies to explore the needs and benefits of organizations in your industry that seem most appealing. Are they in specific need of people in your field? Or are they generally selecting the workforce as per their needs?
If you can, talk to people working at the company to determine whether it is a place you would want to work and whether they would value your specific skills. You don’t want to find yourself welcomed one day and then laid off six months later.
It is also helpful to learn more about the company’s history, financial stability, products and services, and the people in it, as well as some information about the company culture to see how you would fit in if hired. Most companies, whether large or small, have websites where they showcase job opportunities and company vision.
Use Your Connections
If you have a connection that can help you gain insider information, use it. Do you know someone who works there? Ask them about the company culture and how accurate and up-to-date the information on their website is. If you are a recent graduate, ask your university’s career office if they can provide you with a list of alumni who work at your target company. Then reach out to those alumni by phone or email to seek insight, advice, and assistance.
Use Directories That Will Help You Find Those Companies
You can search on “Hoovers Online” by company name or keyword. “Superpages” allows you to search by company name, category, or location. “Vault” is a site that provides job seekers with an in-depth look into some hot industries. It also offers job advice, as well as company and industry profiles.
If you are interested in big businesses, you can browse the list of the top 500 companies in “Fortune.” Then take a look at the big picture to find details about the company, its revenue, and contact information. “Fortune” provides similar lists for the fastest-growing 100 companies and the best 100 companies to work for.
Want to Excel in the Interview?
Preparing for the interview is definitely a crucial reason to research employers. You will want to know a lot about your potential employer so you can start the interview on the right foot.
Standard interview questions are “What do you know about us?” and “Why do you want to work here?” Your research will enable you to provide an informed and detailed answer – and ask the right questions, remember that the interview is a dialogue. It is important for you to ensure that the job is a good fit for you as much as it is important for the employer.
Read all you can about your target company. Use “Google” to find the employer’s site and check their profiles on social media. Then review the sites to see what the company says about itself.
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Often, you will find articles or links about new products or technologies where the company is mentioned. This is a good place to explore more in-depth research. After that, take a look at what the rest of the world is saying. “Volt” reports are a good source for finding specific and detailed information about the particular employer.
Spending some extra time researching the company before submitting your application and interviewing can make the difference between being noticed by your dream company or being overlooked.
Source: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/how-to-research-a-company-2058508
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