When you know something about an organization, you can describe in more relevant terms how you can work within that environment or how your skills can help the employer be successful.

Researching employers and asking informed questions will strengthen your position and help you make a positive first impression in an interview. Targeted questions resulting from research will also provide you with answers that can help you decide whether or not to accept an offer of employment.

Employer Facts to Know

The following list may be used as a guide for gathering data on potential employers.

Basic Facts

• Name, address, telephone, email
• Complete product line or services
• Number of plants, stores, outlets, employers
• Geographical locations
• Location of corporate headquarters
• Parent or subsidiary company information

Employer History/Image

• Position of organization in the industry (leader or newcomer)
• Organization’s national and local reputation, awards, other recognition, etc.
• Associations they are actively involved with
• Major competitors
• Stock prices if relevant

Financial Information

• Size of firm and Industry
• Potential Growth
• Annual Sales growth for the past five years

Philosophy/Goals

• Mission Statement
• Biographical information on CEO, etc.- salaries, age, education
• Political, research or social interest/ financial support

Professional/ Work Environment Concerns

• Organizational structure
• Position descriptions
• Types of training program
• Salary and benefits
• Typical career paths
• Employer’s review or evaluation process
• Background of entry-level position and managers

Websites for Researching Employers

• Anne Arundel Community College Library Database: Business and Company Resource Center
• Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation
• Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development
• Fortune
• The Washington Post Online, Company Research
• Washingtonian Magazine: Great Places to Work