The Value of Employer Research:

Researching employer information is a vital step to making your job search successful. Being knowledgeable about the company with which you will be interviewing shows them that you have put forth effort during your job search, and that you are interested in their organization. Both Career and Counseling Services and the Davee Library have many resources for you to utilize during your research:

• You will be perceived as a serious, interested candidate for position.
• You will be able to communicate your qualifications related to the position/organization.
• You will be able to ask intelligent questions regarding the position and organization.
• You will have the necessary information to evaluate an offer.

What you will want to know:

The following are employer details you may wish to research:  

• Is the company public or privately owned?
• What product does the company make or what service does the organization provide?
• Who are the customers or clients?
• Where is the organization located? Where are the central headquarters, regional offices, and other major offices?
• What is the status of the organization? How is it doing financially? Who are the competitors? How does it compare with similar organizations? What is its reputation?
• Does the organization own other companies and/or is it owned by a larger organization?
• What it the history of the organization, including evolved products and services, management structure, staffing, and financial standings?
• Is the organization facing any problems? How is it working to resolve them?
• What are the future prospects and goals for the organization?
• Who manages the organization? How are decisions made?
• What does the organization look for in its employees (skills, education, background)?
• What are the philosophies and practices of the organization regarding employee needs and concerns? What benefits or "perks" are offered?

Where to Find Information:

Look for printed or online corporate literature published by a company:

• Check the Research Employers page.
• Check with Career and Counseling Services and the library for a company profile.
• Contact the company and ask for information to be mailed to you.

Network to find someone who is currently employed with that company:

• Contact a mentor in the UWRF Mentor Network. Before you meet a Mentor, read Informational Interviewing.
• Ask friends and family members.
• Ask faculty members.

* Consult resources at the Career Resource Library or the Davee Library.