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Researching Employers.from JobTrak
Why Research Information on Employers?
There are two basic reasons to research employers: 1) to aid you in your job search; and 2) to help prepare you for your interview.
Researching an employer during your job search can help you determine more about that organization and your potential place in it. Some important information to look for includes what activities are carried out by the employer, how financially stable the employer is, and what types of jobs exist with the employer. Using available resources, you can gain a better understanding of what career potential exists with a particular employer. One approach to finding a job is to use a hierarchical strategy:
- Find industries that meet your needs.
- Locate employers within your targeted industries.
- Research information on executives.
Preparing for an interview is essential for success! Before meeting your potential employer it is essential to know what they do; how they do it; their financial state (if they are expanding or downsizing); expectations of potential employees in terms of skill, education, and previous experience; and what you can offer them.
Where Do You Find Information on Employers?
The following types of resources should prove useful in your research.
- JOBTRAK Company Profiles - Detailed descriptions on an organization's history, services, products, etc. can be found on the JOBTRAK Company Profile database. Many of these profiles are direct links to the organizations' own world wide web home pages.
- Annual Reports - These reports and other materials are available from an organization's public relations/information office. Most large organizations produce a report, which presents an outline of the organization's successes, growth, story, goals, and financial status. Note: companies prepare two public reports: one for stockholders (Annual Report) and one for the Securities and Exchange Commission (10K Report). A 10-K report has less narrative but contains more comprehensive financial reporting.
- Directories - These are geographic, business, occupational, professional, industry, and financial status directories available in your library. These directories may provide information about an organization's products or services, number of employees, principal executives, and location(s).
- Trade Associations - These organizations produce membership directories, journals (which provide information about trends and issues in the field), and information briefs. They also hold annual conferences for your networking, information gathering, and professional development purposes. Remember, almost every type of field or industry that exists has a trade association affiliation (e.g., American Society of Interpreters, Museum Store Association, National Mental Health Association).
- Newspapers - The business section of most papers contain numerous articles about local companies and their executives. Articles about non-profit organizations often appear in a newspaper's local interest section.
- Fellow Professionals - Other professionals in the field can provide "word-of-mouth" information about organizations of interest.
- Competitors - Often an organization's competitors offer excellent insight about the inner working of that organization.
- Public Documents - Government and quasi-government organizations have records that must be made available to the public.
- Computer Databases - Special sources for researching companies and organizations such as "Dialogue," "BRS," and "ABI Inform" may be available in your library.
Participating in Career Fairs
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Attending a career fair is just one of many steps in the career exploration and job search process. Employers participate in these events to meet students and recruit employees. They can provide general information about career options as well as specific information about current openings. As a student or alumnus, you can attend a career fair to look for a job, gather career information, and/or develop your network of career contacts.
What to Learn From Employers
- Employment and/or hiring trends.
- Skills necessary for different careers/jobs.
- Current/future openings.
- Salary, benefits, training, and other information about the organization.
- Who to contact for follow-up discussions.
What Employers May Want to Learn About You:
- Specific career/job objectives.
- Individual strengths and weaknesses.
- Contributions you will make to the organization.
Make the Most of Your Career Fair Experience:
- Have a pen/pencil and paper available for notes.
- Bring resumes and a folder or a portfolio to hold your materials.
- Review the list of employers. Determine where employers are located and in what order to visit them.
- Broaden your focus and include many types of employers. For instance, you may not have considered working for a hospital, but hospitals recruit and hire professionals in many different fields (e.g., management, information systems, or health care).
- Be aware of time demands on employers. Do not monopolize an employer's time. Ask specific questions and offer to follow up after the fair, as appropriate.
- Be direct. Introduce yourself. If you are job seeking, state the type of position in which you are interested. If you are gathering information, let employers know that you are only interested in materials and information.
- Ask for employers' business cards for follow-up discussions/correspondence.
Tip from JOBTRAK |
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Filipino job seekers 
