Career Success Guide

Interviewing - Research the employer

RESEARCH THE EMPLOYER

How do you research? • You’re able to determine if you really want to work for the employer. • You can better tailor your cover letter, resume, and your interview answers to meet the needs of the employer. • When it is your turn to ask questions, you can ask questions that are pertinent and show that you are prepared and knowledgeable about the organization. • Company websites & social media pages can be a good research tool. What should you know about employers? Before the interview you should know the basics. • Organization’s mission, vision, and values • Organization’s history • Organization’s size • Principal sites of the employer • Products, services, and markets In addition to the basics you may want to know the following: • Expectations of the position • Quality of the training program • Career paths offered • Opportunities for promotion • Employer core values • Market share/competitors • Recent changes within organization • Financial status of employer - present and trend over the years

Ask questions during the interview about any of the information you couldn’t find in your research or are still unclear about. Generally, salary and benefit packages are not discussed until the employer brings them up or a job offer is made. However, researching this beforehand gives you an opportunity to determine salary ranges and compare other employer packages for similar positions. Contact Career Services for a copy of the latest salary information or visit our website. Why do research? • Career Services website www.uwstout.edu/academics/career services • Find links to salary information, “Buzzfile.com/edu” and other employer research sites. University Library • Many sources of information are available in the library to help you research employers. Reference librarians can help you find information. University Library website at http://www. uwstout.edu/lib See “Career and Job Hunting” in “Subject and Reference Guides.”

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