While you are home avoiding COVID-19 you need to spend some time on research – to learn as much as you can about the companies where you apply for jobs. Where are you going to find out the information you need?
1) Company website – At the minimum it will have the mission, vision,and key leadership. What are the company’s key products and/or services? What is on the drawing board for the future?2) Annual Report – Dig into the financial situation, news, board members, and projects. For nonprofits you can see the IRS 1099 which shows the annual income, expenses and salaries of key leaders.
3) LinkedIn – Most companies have a separate linkedin profile for the company. Search on it for key information and names of C-Suite leaders. Also use LInkedIn to search for the name of the person who will interview you, whether it is an HR professional or a hiring manager in the department where you wish to work.4) Glass Door – Read opinions of the company, its culture, its staff, from former or current employees. You can often find bits of information that no one else will tell you.5) Why do research? Use the information in your cover letter and interview to show that you have done your research. You know something about the company.You need to have a reason you want to work there – is it the mission? their innovative products? the way they treat their staff?You can use examples from your past experience to show how you can contribute to their mission or to their bottom line.
(c) 2020 Amy Geffen All rights reserved
