3 Steps to Do Company Research

Many job seekers walk into job interviews without doing the required company research before the job interview. Most experienced recruiters can distinguish between job seekers who have prepared by doing company research and those job seekers who have done no company research.

All of us are guilty of not preparing sometimes. Remember walking into an exam without studying? Well going to the job interview without doing company research is the same thing. However, job seekers who fail to do company research should forget about the make-up job interview.

Here are three basic steps to help job seekers who are failing Company Research 101. Information uncovered while doing company research should guide answers to questions in a job interview. If a job seeker is not doing this very basic level of company research, their answers in the job interview will reflect lack of attention to relevant details, no interest in the company and no passion for success with the company.

First step in company research is to read the job announcement. Which position are you applying for?

What is the job title?
What knowledge, skills and abilities are important to the company?
What type of training and education does the job require?
What are the duties and responsibilities?

Second step in company research is to find out about the company. Where is it that you want to work?

What are the company's products and services?
What is the company's organizational structure and where does this position fit?
What is the company's market share? Who are the competitors?
Who are the people in charge?

Third step in company research is to learn more about company culture. How is the company a good fit for you?

Does the company values align with yours?
Could you support the company's mission?
Are there training opportunities and room for growth?
Would you feel good about working for that company?

Resources
Looking for the right company? Then do your research
Job search secrets: Research companies before applying