Researching a Company
If a job posting identifies the employer, find out as much as you can about that business before applying for the position. Employers not identified in a job posting will tell you who they are when they phone to arrange an interview. As soon as you know which company you’re applying to, start your research. If you already know something about that company, learn more.
In the case of a local business, go there and introduce yourself to the receptionist. Ask questions about the business, request more information (if available) on the duties and requirements of the job, and read any company literature, newsletters, or promotional brochures. If you can, talk to employees and ask about their roles and what it’s like to work there.
Another way to learn about an employer is to look on the Internet. These days, even small companies often have a website. Using a large and fast search engine such as google.ca, type the company’s name into the Search box and press Enter to display a list of search results. If you don’t find a link to the company’s website in the first two pages of results, enclose the company name within quotation marks and search again. If you still come up with nothing, try some of the sources listed below:
Canadian Yellow Pages – Find A Business
ThomasNet – Information on U.S. and Canadian Businesses
Canadian Trade Index
Industry Canada Company Directories
Canadian Company Capabilities
Canadian Importers Database
Federal Corporations Data
Canadian Technology Network
Industry Canada Site Map
When you find the company, look for the following information and memorize it:
- Affiliates or Partners
- Annual sales
- President and chief executives
- Company History & Mission Statement
- Divisions and Subsidiaries
- Number of employees
- Key personnel
- Products
- Services
- Telephone numbers
The more you know about the employer that’s interviewing you, the more confident you’ll be during the interview – and the better impression you’ll make.