Students

Employer research is critical to success in the job search process. Just as self-assessment helps you to identify your strengths and weaknesses, likes and dislikes, accomplishments and achievements, needs and restrictions, employer research reveals whether a potential employer’s philosophy and values, work culture, demands and rewards, and other characteristics match your career goals and personality. Moreover, as your career progresses and you change employerers, this in-depth research helps ensure that you move into environments where you will have the best chance of success.

Your research should, at a minimum, help you to discover information on the employer’s size and locations (both domestic and international), its new initiatives and reputation, as well as its longevity, services and products, and competitors. Additionally, your research will help you to target cover letters and resumes and to develop probing questions to ask during your interviews. Finally, the knowledge you display in your interviews as a result of your research will demonstrate your interest and enthusiasm, and help you to appropriately tailor your responses to address the potential employer’s needs and concerns.

Research Resources

Some important resources for conducting your research include:

• The OCS Career Reference library
• The internet, including employer sites and career resources such as Vault Career Library and WetFeet.
• The Recent Graduates Database
• Faculty
• Peers
• Information sessions on the Medical Center and Morningside Campuses
• Fall and spring Career Days at the School of Public Health and Morningside Campus Career Fairs
• Professional journals
• Newspapers
• Public and specialized libraries
• Chamber of Commerce
• Employer Literature
• Employer Directories

Are You Prepared?

When you have completed both your pre- and post-interview research, you should be able to answer questions such as:

• Do I support the employer’s mission?
• Is the work environment structured or unstructured? Is the organization large and formal or smaller and more friendly with cross-functional work encouraged?
• Is the environment fast-paced or is it a calmer, slower environment?
• How much autonomy will I have in the position?
• What type of administrative support will I have in this position?
• Is the culture a good match for my management style?
• Are salary increases tied to performance objectives?
• What are the work hours? Are hours flexible? Will I be required to travel?
• What provisions are made for initial training as well as on-going career development?
• Will the position provide me with the skills and training I will need to advance in my career?
• How is my prospective employer perceived within the industry?