How to Research Employers
By Sherril Steele-Carlin
Why should you research an employer? There are many reasons, including your well-being and longevity with your new company. There are a lot of other reasons, too. Researching an employer can give you a much better understanding of what they do, which will prepare you for the interview.
Reap the Rewards
Researching an employer just makes sense. You may also find other employers in the same field, that you didn't know existed. They might offer job opportunities, too. You may discover that the employment opportunities available at a particular employer fit your needs perfectly, or perhaps they don't. Either way, a little time spent doing your research homework can save you trials and tribulations later on.
What to Look For
What should you look for when you research an employer? There are a wide variety of helpful details you can discover when you're researching an employer. First, are they a subsidiary of another company, or a parent company? What are their long-term goals? Who are their customers? How are they managed? How has their stock been performing, and why?
You can also find out how long they have been in business, how many people work for the organization, and what products and services they offer. You can read financial reports, see their major competitors, and what they predict their growth will be. All of this information can be invaluable for the job hunter or the bidder. The more you know about a company, the more you can match your knowledge and experience to their needs.
How to Research
How do you research a company? There are many online resources available to anyone looking for company information. (See below.) First, try searching for their corporate web site in a search engine such as Google. If they have a web site, it will probably show up in a search of their name. You can also use a site like Hoover's who provides a special career section, where you can research a large number of companies. They have thousands of employers listed, along with links to their corporate web sites.
Researching an employer does take some time, but it's time well spent. Learn more about the job and what it involves, and you'll give yourself an edge against all those bidders who didn't take the time to do their homework!
