Researching employers

"Conducting research into prospective employers and their sector is crucial."  Association of Graduate Recruiters Winter Recruitment Survey 2010.

Recruiters are looking for candidates who:

• have a good knowledge of their company
• understand its services, products and ethos
• have an awareness of current business trends 

By undertaking this research not only will you perform well at an interview but you will be able to compare companies and gain a better understanding of their training schemes, development opportunities, working cultures and environments. This information will help you to identify which companies would best suit you. 

"Preparation is key - the internet means there is no excuse for not knowing about the company, its products or services" HR manager, Five

What you will need to find out

 

• What are the company’s key products and services?
• Where are they based? Do they operate in other countries?
• Who are their customers?
• Who are the company’s competitors?
• Has the company been in the news recently? If so, why?
• What are the trends and developments in their sector? How is the company responding to those developments?

Finding the answers

 

Make sure you have an accurate and unbiased picture of the company so use a variety of sources NOT just the company's website!  

• The company's website is a good starting point. Also join their Facebook page or follow them on Twitter to get the very latest news  
• You can search our online employer directory through My Career to find out about the company e-resources we hold eg PDFs of annual reports etc.

• TARGETjobs Employer Insights - independent reviews of graduate employers
• Prospects website – read the Industry Insights for sector information
• e-Library Gateway - use the e-resources and print resources available in the University's libraries

To keep up to date with the latest news, use:

 

• BBC website - search for companies
• National newspapers and their websites eg The Guardian
• Specalist journals or magazines or their websites eg Third Sector, Marketing Week, Drapers
• PR Newswire search for press releases by company
• Starting Out: Lesbian & Gay Recruitment Guide
• Vault website