Researching Companies

“Why do you want to work for our organization?”  Your answer will dictate your success in an interview.  Thoroughly researching the organization can help you:

  • Describe in detail your ability to contribute to the employer’s needs.
  • Quantify your experience with success statements identifying what you accomplished, the tools and processes you used, and your results.
  • Describe in more relevant detail how you could work within that environment.
  • Explain how your skills can help the employer be more successful.
  • Understand how your personality will fit in the environment and how your career goals align with the company’s goals.

Getting Started

  • Research the company’s website thoroughly—use the Employer Research Checklist below to prepare.
  • Visit your Career Coach to identify alumni and employers who work inside the organization using Career AGGIE.
  • Visit the Career Café at Career Services to access company materials and to use computers for your company research.
  • Search publications online and in print from trade journals, press releases, and other media.
  • Join professional organizations to access member directories.
  • Speak with recruiters at fairs/expos to gain firsthand knowledge of the company.
  • Access online tools including Going Global (provides country-specific internships and jobs internationally) and others. 
  • Read the shareholders’ annual report (for publicly traded companies).

Employer Research Checklist

As you research the employer, pay particular attention to the following areas:

Basic Facts

  • Age of organization
  • Size of organization and industry
  • Years in business
  • Complete products/services (including new)
  • Geographical locations
  • Divisions/subsidiaries (including international)
  • Parent company (if applicable)
  • Number of employees

 Employer History/Image

  • Corporate culture
  • Industry outlook
  • CEO’s background
  • Local and national reputation
  • Competitors
  • Awards (if relevant) and other recognitions

 Financial Information

  • Stock prices (if relevant)
  • Growth pattern
  • Sales, assets, earnings
  • Mergers/acquisitions

 

“Your career search really begins before you ever write a resume or cover letter.  It begins the moment you develop a relationship with someone inside the organization.”

 Donna Crow, Executive Director

Career Services