Whether you are looking for a new job or thinking about a change in career direction, good research is vital before you begin your job search as well as for interview preparation.
This will help you to judge the type of company you want to work for and to gain a sound understanding of the potential career path with different organisations.
You know that you don't want to stay in the same type of job for the rest of your career, but it can be difficult to identify exactly what you do want to do. Research is crucial to provide guidance about making the right move to the right organisation or to help you to make the decision to retrain.
Interview and company research
With a wealth of information now available on UK businesses, interviewers expect candidates to demonstrate a reasonable level of background research. The depth of knowledge required will depend very much on the nature and seniority of the position you are applying for, but is likely to include: company history (background, development, mergers, etc.); size and turnover; products or services provided; key competitors/position in the marketplace.
Gaining an overview of the business will give you the confidence to ask meaningful questions at interview. This in turn demonstrates the time and effort you have taken to prepare and will help to convey your enthusiasm for the role.
Stand out from the crowd
If you are able to show at interview that you have not just done the background research but that you also have a good understanding of the factors affecting the industry or have made the effort to find out something that would not have been particularly easy to discover, you will undoubtedly impress the interviewer with your initiative and drive.
The tools
The Internet is an invaluable aid to research, but don't worry if you don't have access to it at home or work - local libraries, recruitment agencies and cyber cafes offer a cheap and handy alternative. Annual Reports provide a wealth of statistics and financial data and they, together with the company's own brochure are usually available in reception or upon request - don't be afraid to ask! Trade Associations/Institutes produce journals that provide up-to-date information about industry trends and issues and again the local library is a good source of information. Also, don't forget to use your own contacts to gain a valuable insight into a company or industry.
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