Are you really interested in the job? It’s time to uncover more about the company!
You’re in luck! The internet is an excellent tool for finding out everything about everyone. However, you’ll need to be selective and consult only reliable information.
Other avenues can be used too, especially if you live in a region or business environment where companies who are recruiting are often well-known by everyone.
A recruiter expects applicants to have a certain degree of knowledge about the company (the field, market positioning, key issues, etc.) and the position before applying. To achieve this, look carefully at the job posting and do additional research – especially if there aren't many details provided.
Search Engines Are Powerful Allies!
Type in the company name and see what pops up.
You will be able to discover the company's website, LinkedIn page, articles and reports, its social and solidarity commitments and any news articles written about them.
For example, if the job posting mentions an international presence, take advantage of this and look into which countries the company has a presence in. Explore its advertising, interviews with top management and so on.
Study the Company’s Website
You should be able to find the company’s website as .com.
Generally, a company’s website will be structured like this:
The company and its teams: “Who are we?”
Its business/products
Its blog and articles
Its recruitment page
Links to its pages on social media (LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, even TikTok)
This public portrayal of the company will be invaluable to understanding its vision, mission, and values. It's up to you to identify the points in common and use vocabulary in your résumé and cover letter to show you’re a good match!
Careers Page
Make sure to read it! The company will present its identity, values, projects, benefits offered to employees and why it’s good to work within its teams.
Research and examine the criteria used to attract applicants. Note and memorize the company’s values and think about the ways they correspond to you! Be prepared to talk about these with the recruiter.
Also look at all the job openings. Sometimes you’ll find another position that will suit you even better! Also, a high number of current openings could indicate, at best, a high rate of growth or, at worst, a high turnover of employees.
Take a Look on Social Media
Whether it’s on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn, it will be interesting to see what the company communicates and how they do this. Study the image that they are building with the general public and their customers.
On LinkedIn, you’ll easily find the names of employees who work there, posts by senior management and maybe even by your future boss!
If you have a professional-looking profile, send a connection request to the recruitment manager and some potential colleagues – or the head of the company! The more quality direct contacts you have, the easier it is to obtain firsthand information about the company/job.
You might also find helpful information and perspectives on employer review sites, like Glassdoor.
Take Advantage of Your Own Local Network
If you live near the company, don't neglect your local network! The internet isn’t the only way of getting valuable information or useful contacts. Look for every opportunity to get in contact with the company or its staff to obtain information.
Friends of Friends
Find out if friends or acquaintances work for the company. It may be helpful to meet them and find out if they like it there, have good working conditions, know someone on the recruitment team or any key issues facing the company.
All information collected is useful in putting your application together!
Consider Attending Recruiting Events
Sometimes, you can meet company employees at an event! Be proactive as this is an opportunity to learn more about the company, its organization, its development and its staff.
As a result of this initial contact, you may be asked to send or bring in a résumé. This may be an opportunity to apply directly for a job or to use what you’ll learn to write a targeted cover letter.
Take Advantage of Your Connections
Sometimes your school/college or university will put you in contact with companies in other ways. In this case, ask them directly:
What advice can you give concerning the type of application to send?
How can I make the most of my résumé?
What is the company looking for?
How does the recruitment process work?
Who is involved?
If your school has a partnership with a company, they have connections to senior management or HR. Other students have probably already obtained work there.
Let's Recap!
It’s essential to familiarize yourself with the company – at least via the internet!
Explore its website and presence on social media.
Discover what’s being said about the company in the media for this sector, especially about its projects, development and commitments. However, make sure that your information is coming from a reliable source!!
When the company is based locally, contact people in your own network, including your friends, family, former colleagues, etc.
If you’ve contacted the company via a school, job fair, etc., use the information already gathered, such as the people you’ve met or those who recommended you.
Remember, the more familiar you are with the company, the more comfortable you’ll feel applying!
