The modern age of the internet and LinkedIn has made researching companies even easier than ever. So there is no excuse for not learning more about companies, what they do and what their values are. That information is vital when applying for jobs, composing cover letters and during the interview process.
When Job Searching
Identifying companies that align to your values is important for career satisfaction. You want to understand their business to know if it will fit you.
When Writing Cover Letters
Aligning yourself to the company in your cover letter is essential! By researching you can also see the language the company is using to mirror in your application.
Preparing for Interviews
Researching the company is imperative at this stage. You want to be well informed to land the role.
Where to find out information about companies
- Google search – It might be obvious but Googling a company can help you find out more information about the. Not only from their website, but news articles and job postings can tell you a lot about the company and what they’re up to.
- LinkedIn – This is the go to for company research where you can quickly learn about a company, who works there, what jobs they have available and what news articles they are posting.
- Company Website – Most companies have their Vision & Mission on their website as well as explanations around what they do and who their customers are. An absolute must for research companies.
- Glassdoor – this website shows reviews from employees of companies and worth looking into for an idea on the cultural fit of the company.
What to look for when researching
- What is their mission statement?
- What are their values?
- How many people are employed by the company?
- Who are the key players in the organisation?
- Are they local, national or international?
- What benefits do they offer employees?
- Who are their customers?
- Who are their competitors?
- Do you have access to any of the company financials?
- What is their culture like?
- Have you checked company review sites?
- Do you know anyone who works there?
- What projects are they involved with at the moment and in the past?
- Have they been in the news recently?
- Are they involved in any volunteer work?
- Why do you want to work for them?
- Do they have a policy on diversity and inclusion?
- What is their position on climate change?