Researching Organizations

Question: You've landed the job interview. It's scheduled for two weeks from now...What do you do in the meantime?

Answer: Find Out Everything You Can About The Organization With Which You Are Interviewing.

Chances are you had a basic idea about what the organization does before you applied for the job. However, in order to be completely prepared for the interview, you'll need to know more than just what the company does. Potential employers want to know that you are up to speed on their company. Impress them with your knowledge! Make them feel that you aren't just another recent graduate, but someone who truly wants to work for their organization and in their industry. To accomplish this, you'll need to know about its products, its competitors, the industry, as well as any issues or challenges the organization is facing.

Resources

The Pollak Library provides many resources for students to research companies and organizations. The following databases cover just a small portion of all that is available. Ask a librarian at the Reference Desk or speak to a career counselor in the Career Planning & Placement Center for more information.

Pollak Library Databases

• Factiva
• Lexis Nexis Academic Universe
• ABI/Inform, D&B Million Dollar Database
• Business & Company ASAP
• Mergent Online

Career Center Library and Industry Specialists

Check the books in the Library and talk to the Industry Specialist who works in the area of your interest, they might have insights to share with you.

Company Website

Always check the company's website for information on company culture, recent news, other positions available, and review your opening.

Networking

Talk to people you know might work for the company to find out information about them.

Business Journals/Newspapers

Read current publications such as the Orange County or Los Angeles Business Journal, the LA Times, the OC Register and check the archives of these publications for information about the company.

Visit Company and Surrounding Area

An employer is always impressed if you take the extra time to see where they are located. Exploring the surrounding area and see what other companies are there.