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Research enables you to identify key things and key people with whom you should be networking. In a job search, you should aim your research to answer the following questions:
- What details are available about the company of interest?
- What specific departments exist within the company?
- Who are the individuals who run those departments (the decision makers)?
- Does this company recruit on campus?
- Does HR lead the company’s recruiting efforts, or do the hiring managers find their own talent (for the most part)?
- What is the profitability of each department?
- What companies compete against the main company and against the specific departments (they might be different)?
- What are the top products and services produced?
- What are the goals of the company or the department?
- What recent challenges and trends are they are experiencing?
Once you identify these items, research everything about them through company websites, Google, LinkedIn, and the people in your network. The more information you gather, the more knowledgeable you will be about your job search, and the more likely you will impress those with whom you meet and network.
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