Research an Identified Employer
Knowing as much as possible about potential employers is key to writing great resumes and cover letters and to successful interviews. The more you know the better equipped you are to ask questions and make yourself stand out as the perfect person for the job. Here are some research tips if you want to know more about an employer you have already identified.
1. Start your research at the employer’s website
- Read any mission or vision statements and descriptions of programs or services to see how the organization describes itself. It is important to know how they define themselves.
- Look for anything that says News or What’s New. This will give you the latest information on what is happening and possible clues on new areas or projects you might fit into.
- Look for an annual report or strategic plan and read it carefully.
- Pay attention to the overall format and design of the site. Are they conservative or funky; are they traditional or more creative?
- If you know of specific individuals with whom you will be interviewing pay close attention to their bios.
2. Check legal directories, business directories and other employer information sources for outside profiles of the employers
CPD Resource Room has several guides and directories a great place to start! For in-town employers, look at the files we maintain on different employers
3. Turn to Search Engines
4. Ask People