|
UCLA Career Center
Researching
Employers
The competitive
advantage in the job market goes to candidates who do their homework.
What
You Need to Know
Employer research will help you 1) decide if you are interested in working for
a particular company or organization, 2) find out about different career paths
available if you are hired, and 3) prepare for an interview. The more you know
about employers in your field of interest, the stronger and more focused your
job search.
Here is the type of information you should look for:
- The Basics: Products
and services, organizational structure, operating divisions and subsidiaries,
location of plants and facilities, international operations, major competitors,
training and development programs, and typical career paths.
- Performance and Personnel:
Size and number of employees, accomplishments, sales, financial performance,
research and development activities, employee diversity, hiring and promotion
policies.
- Philosophy and Culture:
Goals and objectives, traditional values, beliefs, views and operating styles
that characterize the organization, and the impact of private or family ownership
on possible advancement potential.
- Plans for the Future:
Expansion and restructuring plans, new projects, projected financial growth
and new market ventures and downsizing activities.
Where
to Find Information
With a bit of resourcefulness and elbow grease, you can find considerable information
about many industries, employers and career opportunities. The internet has
become an invaluable tool for researching companies. Look to the Career
Center’s web site at career.ucla.edu, to provide links to get you
started.
Attend Employer
Information Sessions through the UCLA Career Center. Employer presentations
provide a convenient and comfortable way to network with recruiters and other
company representatives prior to your campus interview.
Get an online copy of the
Career Guide published
by the UCLA Career Center. This is a very comprehensive publication and will
help you develop your career strategies.
Register today on BruinView™ and get the current
information about employers and the jobs, internships, and interviews they are
conducting.
|
