Researching employers

Why research?

• Get an employer's attention: your knowledge of an employer's organisation and their industry may be the thing that makes you stand out of the crowd.
• Prove your interest: taking the time to research shows employers you are genuine and makes them more likely to consider you seriously.
• Sell your application: a strong understanding of an organisation will assist you to demonstrate what skills and attributes make you appropriate for the role.
• It's never wasted: even if your first approach is not successful, you might be in contact with the organisation again in the future.

Research is useful whether you are approaching employers for networking, employment or work experience.

Where to find information

• The organisation's website: Read it thoroughly. Employers find it frustrating to be asked about information already available to you.
• News and trade magazine articles: Use internet searches and library back issues
• Job listings: Look for current and expired job listings by the organisation to learn about common attributes they seek in staff.
• Family, friends, colleagues: You'll be surprised who and what they know.
• Faculty staff: Chat to staff from related units

Note your impressions of the information gathered from each source and be analytical about how reliable it may be.

What to look for

Organisation structure

• Sections or divisions which interest you
• Major projects or partnerships
• Who is in charge of the area you want to work in?

Service areas, innovations and new products

• How do they differentiate themselves from their competitors?
• What image they project to their clients?

Organisational culture or values

• Employee development and benefits
• Community involvements

Stay organised

Create a spreadsheet and have columns for each type of information you have gathered so you can compare organisations

Keep adding to it: Throughout the application process add

• Names of new contacts and notes on interactions.
• Application closing dates and selection criteria.

Refresh your knowledge: Go back to your research prior to any contact with the organisation.