THE FOUR BENEFITS OF RESEARCHING A COMPANY

1. Research helps you decide if you want to work for a company.

• Hiring managers and interviewers frequently ask, "Why do you want a job with our company?" If you've done your research, you'll be able to answer honestly and concisely.
• Your research may help you eliminate a prospect that you initially thought might be a good job lead. Perhaps your investigation shows that employee morale is low, the salary ranges are less than average or the company is on shaky ground financially. This information can help you decide that the company is not right for you before you get too far along in the application and interview process.

2. Research gives you the ability to speak about the company during an interview and shows the employer that you are genuinely interested in them.

• This distinction sets you above other job candidates who have not researched the company.
• Every employer prefers to hire someone who is genuinely interested in their company.

3. Research helps you answer questions effectively.

• Information about a company can give you the background to answer difficult questions and to discuss your work experience as it relates to the company and the job opening. For example: If you are asked to describe how you would handle a situation with a customer yet you have no idea who the company's typical customer is, you are shooting in the dark. However, if you know a little about the business, you can tailor your answer specifically to the company's business needs.

4. Research helps you ask intelligent questions.

• You want to demonstrate that you have an understanding of the business and are interested in learning more about how you will make a contribution once hired.