How to Research a Potential Employer's Organization

4/11/2012

Before you go into an interview with a potential employer, it is beneficial to do some prep work and research the company. If you have knowledge about the company, it shows interviewers that you have a valid interest; this can mark you as a serious candidate, and may set you apart from other job candidates. Some employers may expect you to know some information about their company.

If you show a vested interest in a company, the company may show an interest in you as a future employee. But, how do you begin to research an organization? You do not have to know every detail about an organization, but it is prudent to be aware of general details and core values.

Here are some ways to begin initial research for a company:

Look at annual reports for the organization
Browse the company’s website-look at the history, values and mission or vision statements. Read about the company’s founders, or biographies of key people. Read about events or press releases from the company. Other information to search for includes: date founded, size, location of branches, type of departments
If the company is in a specific field, look at some relevant newspaper or magazine articles. This will help you obtain background information and understand trends in the company’s field
Explore whether or not the company has any social media accounts. If so, look at what type of accounts. Discover who the followers are, or read the information that is posted

After you have completed some research about your potential employer, show that you have knowledge about the company. You can demonstrate this information in emails, cover letters or interviews.

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