Using Research in Your Job Search

JobMetaSeek is the largest and most complete job search and career center on the Internet. If it is about jobs, or job hunting skills, you can find it here. We offer more than 100,000 links to all types of job and career resources for nearly every occupation, profession and industry. Take the Site Tour and see how this site can make any management, professional or executive job search more efficient and productive. Researching employers is a critical component of your job search. Research assists you in learning more about an organization, contributes to your preparation for each interview, helps you prepare stronger cover letters and more focused resumes and ultimately make informed decisions. You will not succeed in your job search without knowledge of the companies you are interviewing with or information on the industries and countries where these companies do business. Having knowledge about a potential employer gives you a competitive edge over other job seekers.

When you begin to make initial contacts with potential employers, it is a good idea to have some facts about the company. You should know the company's industry, what they do, who some major clients are, and the names of some of the company's important executives.

Before going on an interview is the time to do extensive research. Being armed with an arsenal of information can give you an edge over your competition, as you can answer questions about the employer should you be asked any in the interview. It is not unusual to be asked the question, "What do you know about us?" It will also enable you to ask intelligent questions when you are given the opportunity, as job candidates usually are toward the end of the interview. Knowing your potential employer will help you target your presentation to them.

The knowledge you have about a potential employer, and on the industry in which you hope to work, can give you a competitive edge. This pertains both to making initial contact with employers and before going on interviews. In addition, having information on a company is also invaluable when it comes to evaluating a job offer.

Knowing the financial standing of a company can help you decide whether to make a commitment to that company. If a company is on shaky financial ground, you must decide whether you want to stake your future there. By keeping up with business news, you can learn in which direction a company is headed.

The Research Directory is a comprehensive list of links to research resources including economic or financial search engines, and specialized industry or business databases.