Researching companies you’d like to work for is fairly straight forward once you know what you are doing. You can use the information to apply for jobs, tailor make covering letters, impress at interview, make informed decision on job offers, see whether the company is a good fit for you or to be more knowledgeable about the marketplace and company competitors.
Compiling a list of companies
Firstly make a list of all the companies you would like to work for. It could be a particular industry you want to work in, those you have heard good things about, who has been in the news, who you have seen advertising, what products you like, companies that are local to you, those that your friends, family or ex colleagues work for.
Company websites
Next start with a simple search, typing the company name into a google search, this should bring up the company’s website and also various links and articles relating to the company. Have a look through the site and see what insights you can gain into the company, get a feel for their culture. Do their mission and values align with yours and your passions and interests. Look at their benefits and facilities, careers pages, about us pages.
Review sites
Websites such as Glassdoor and Google review will give additional insights from employers and customers that have given reviews on the companies. Obviously, these can be subjective but again it is further insights into them.
Blogs, LinkedIn, Instagram & social media
Search LinkedIn for the company name and employees that work there, is there anyone you know that you can reach out to, to get advice, insights or an introduction and find out what the company is like to work for. Look at the company posts and also their feeds on Instagram and Facebook what news are they sharing? Again this will give you further insight into them.
If the research you do gives you no further insights reach out to your network, chances are someone you are connected to, be it family members, friends or acquaintances will know someone or have some knowledge of the company.
