Many people don’t do this or don’t think to do but researching a prospective employer is a very important step in not only getting an interview but also having a successful interview. Because it is time consuming many people may ask someone do they know anything about a particular company, which works if that person has accurate information. To use your time effectively, divide your research into two different stages. The first stage should include getting all the basic information about different companies. That includes the company’s name, address, phone numbers, names and job titles of key contacts, if the company is privately or publicly held, what type of products or services they offer, how long in business, the number of employees, and the size of the company.
The next stage should be focused on getting more detailed information about each company you will be interviewing with. Find out what type of customers they have, subsidiaries, parent company, different locations, rank in industry, sales and profits, type of ownership, different departments, and major competitors. The more time you spend on this stage, the more impressed the prospective employer will be. Researching a prospective employer shows the employer that you have initiative and a sincere interest in the company. Many employers will ask during an interview do you know anything about the company and a yes with a brief explanation goes far and will make you stand out above others who no nothing about the company or who did not do their research.
Where you can conduct your research is the next step to figure out. Of course, libraries are the best places, major newspapers, business or corporate magazines, job banks, job search websites, and online searches. Another reason why it is good to do research on prospective employers is that you may come across information on other companies or their competitors, which can increase your chances of getting interviews and that new position.