Resume and Interview Tips
Research Job Search Resources
Researching employers is a critical component of your job search. Research assists you in learning more about an organization, contributes to your preparation for each interview, helps you prepare stronger cover letters and more focused resumes and ultimately make informed decisions. You will not succeed in your job search without knowledge of the companies you are interviewing with or information on the industries and countries where these companies do business. Having knowledge about a potential employer gives you a competitive edge over other job seekers.
When you begin to make initial contacts with potential employers, it is a good idea to have some facts about the company. You should know the company's industry, what they do, who some major clients are, and the names of some of the company's important executives.
Before going on an interview is the time to do extensive research. Being armed with an arsenal of information can give you an edge over your competition, as you can answer questions about the employer should you be asked any in the interview. It is not unusual to be asked the question, "What do you know about us?" It will also enable you to ask intelligent questions when you are given the opportunity, as job candidates usually are toward the end of the interview. Knowing your potential employer will help you target your presentation to them.
The knowledge you have about a potential employer, and on the industry in which you hope to work, can give you a competitive edge. This pertains both to making initial contact with employers and before going on interviews. In addition, having information on a company is also invaluable when it comes to evaluating a job offer.
Knowing the financial standing of a company can help you decide whether to make a commitment to that company. If a company is on shaky financial ground, you must decide whether you want to stake your future there. By keeping up with business news, you can learn in which direction a company is headed.
Tips for Your Job Search
The materials in our Research Directory are a resource for managers, professionals and executives trying to collect information about companies, industries, and market trends. Initially you will want to review each site for future reference. The information is useful for generating a target list of companies, but when you are starting your job search don't spend too much time investigating companies that may or may not have any suitable positions now or in the immediate future.
Use the Research Directory to narrow down your list of target companies and when preparing resumes and cover letters for a specific company or companies in a specific industry. Never go to an interview without learning all you can about the company, the industry, markets, competitors, and key management personnel. Investigate the material on the company web site and then use the Research Directory to fully prepare for the interview.
