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Savings Account: Job Prep
A little homework before the interview can really pay off!
Your primary goal in applying for a job is to secure an interview. Yeah, you may really want the gig and believe that's the objective, but think about it: the interview is the time to find out if the position is a good fit. It's also a good way to learn about the company.
But first, do a little research on your own. "Use the Google," as someone once said. And make sure you do a Google News search, too, to see if the company has done anything lately that's worthy of media attention. Use Yahoo and any other search engine you prefer, too, since results often vary. If you like, go to your local public library and ask the reference librarian for help. They often have access to databases and websites unavailable to the general public. If you're a student, you probably can get on Lexis-Nexis, Hoovers and other business research sites, too.
The point is, you want to be armed with information; is the company solid? Did they just emerge from bankruptcy? Is the CEO a crook? Is their industry in trouble? Did they just sign up an important new customer? Did they just settle a lawsuit for sexual harassment? Do people hate their product? You may not want to work for a place that sells stuff that's despised or dangerous, exploits workers or is eco-unfriendly.
You should also find out how the company is as an employer. Just include the appropriate search terms, or look for sites relevant to the industry or profession.
Speaking of which, you can also add the words "sucks" to the firm's name, as many companies have engendered enough ill will for angry people to create sites to aggregate the hate!
But first, do a little research on your own. "Use the Google," as someone once said. And make sure you do a Google News search, too, to see if the company has done anything lately that's worthy of media attention. Use Yahoo and any other search engine you prefer, too, since results often vary. If you like, go to your local public library and ask the reference librarian for help. They often have access to databases and websites unavailable to the general public. If you're a student, you probably can get on Lexis-Nexis, Hoovers and other business research sites, too.
The point is, you want to be armed with information; is the company solid? Did they just emerge from bankruptcy? Is the CEO a crook? Is their industry in trouble? Did they just sign up an important new customer? Did they just settle a lawsuit for sexual harassment? Do people hate their product? You may not want to work for a place that sells stuff that's despised or dangerous, exploits workers or is eco-unfriendly.
You should also find out how the company is as an employer. Just include the appropriate search terms, or look for sites relevant to the industry or profession.
Speaking of which, you can also add the words "sucks" to the firm's name, as many companies have engendered enough ill will for angry people to create sites to aggregate the hate!
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11:12 EDT, 12.May.08
09:42 EDT, 11.May.08