Analyzing Your Potential Employer

You are starting the job search. You send in your application packets with your resume and coverletter in each packet. Now the real work begins…

Organization is the Key to Success- Start researching weeks before your interview. If you’re interviewing with multiple employers, keep a file for each one so that you store the information you get. These files should include articles from newspapers or periodicals, tips and comments from others and annual reports. When it comes time for the interview, you can organize all this information in a way that will impress the interviewer. Trust me, not too many people do this and you will turn some heads with your knowledge of the company and preparedness.

Facts to Know About the Organization

• Size of Company in industry
• Potential growth
• Annual sales growth for past 5 years
• Competition
• Age of top management and their backgrounds
• Geographical locations
• Organizational structure
• Recent developments via news stories
• History of organization

Information Sources Available

• The Wall Street Journal
• Barron’s
• Dun’s Review
• Business Week
• Forbes
• Fortune
• Trade Publications
• Finance and business section of your local newspaper

There are many ways to prepare for an interview. By preparing, you increase your chances of making a positive first impression. It’s annoying for an interviewer to talk to a candidate who doesn’t have any knowledge about the company. “Why are you interested in our organization?” If you don’t know anything about the employer, that places you at the bottom of the pile.

Rich Dad Says: “Do your homework.”