How to Research a Company before you Apply

Preparing to apply for a job is challenging work. You’re fine-tuning your resume, tweaking your cover letter, and verifying that your strengths match the qualifications of the job. But are you taking the time to research a company before applying? A few extra minutes spent researching a company can help you understand what the company is looking for—which you can then use to customize your application.

When you research a company, you set yourself up as a qualified, knowledgeable candidate who’s genuinely interested in the job. Or, in the worst-case scenario, you might search out some unpleasant news that might save you the hassle of applying. 

Here are a few tips that can help you research a potential employer:

Visit the Company Website

The company website is an excellent source of information about the organization’s products and services, as well as its mission, values, and employee culture. Take a look at the “About Us” or “Meet the Team” pages to gain a sense of the people who work there. Read up on the “Careers” page to see if the company is hiring for any other positions. 

Read Recent Headlines

Google the firm’s name to search for any latest news such as expansions and layoffs, stock performance, or product launches. This helps build your understanding of the company.

Check Social Media Accounts

You want to understand the company culture. Companies typically use their social media accounts to share the latest news and achievements. If you see something on social media that interests you, like photos of a recent employee outing or team-building event, make a note to ask about it during the interview.

Browse Online Employee Reviews

These days, you wouldn’t buy an item without checking its online reviews first. The same goes for any potential employers. Search for the company’s reviews to discover how current and former employees feel about the company, its culture, and its benefits. Employees might also share typical interview questions, which can help you prepare accordingly.

(This Tip was prepared with contributions from iHire’s Resource Centre)