Researching an Industry and Potential Company
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Preparing well for a job interview requires thorough research on the industry, potential employer, market, and competitors. For job seekers who are blind or have low vision, this step enables you to understand the organization’s background, values, and operations. You will be prepared to ask insightful questions, highlight your skills effectively, and share how you align with the company’s goals.
Researching the Potential Industry
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is an excellent resource for exploring national and local employment trends. The BLS details educational requirements, salary variations, and job duties for various job duties and roles. This foundational knowledge can guide your job search and ensure you target industries matching your skills, values, interests, and career goals. To begin your research, visit https://www.bls.gov/.
Researching industries and job duties can also help you determine accommodations you may need as an employee who is blind or has low vision. To browse job accommodations by disability or work-related function, visit Job Accommodation Network’s A to Z of Disabilities and Accommodations.
Researching Salaries
Once you’ve gathered general information about the industry and job duties, look closer at salary expectations. Use the Bureau of Labor Statistics website to compare national and state salary data. Then, review job advertisements or listings from local employers to see how salaries align with your area. Additionally, consider regional cost-of-living differences, which can significantly impact how far a salary will stretch! This step ensures that your expectations are realistic and well-informed as you prepare for discussions about compensation during the interview or upon receiving a job offer.
Why is Researching a Company Before an Interview Recommended?
Researching a company before an interview offers many advantages. You can learn about its structure, values, history, and location. This basic information is typically available on the company’s website.
To go beyond the basics, explore the company’s social media channels. These platforms can reveal a company’s culture and community involvement. For example, you can determine if the organization participates in local events, has received industry awards, or actively celebrates employee achievements. Look for posts highlighting employee recognition programs, career advancement opportunities, or significant anniversaries. These details can offer a sense of the company’s values and employee satisfaction.
By gathering this information, you’ll be prepared to discuss the company during your interview and understand whether it aligns with your career aspirations and values.
Exploring News Sources for Business Insights
Checking industry-specific and local news sources can provide valuable insights about a potential employer. Look for recent developments such as awards, recognition, or significant achievements that positively affect the company. Conversely, you might discover they are undergoing restructuring, have hired a new Chief Operating Officer, or are facing challenges that could impact their operations. Staying informed about these developments helps you prepare thoughtful questions for your interview and assess whether the company aligns with your career goals.
When researching a company online, you’ll want to verify the credibility of your sources. For example, consider the context if you encounter negative reviews or criticisms about a potential employer. Is the information coming from a competitor? Could a former employee have written it with a personal grievance? Remember that these perspectives may not provide a complete or balanced picture of the organization. Instead, cross-reference information from multiple reputable sources to form a well-rounded understanding of the company.
Key Questions to Research Before an Interview
Before your interview, take time to research and answer key questions about the company. This prepares you to engage in meaningful conversations about the company and demonstrates your genuine interest in the organization. Additionally, it equips you to ask thoughtful, informed questions that can leave a positive impression on your potential employer.
- Is the company for-profit or non-profit? Understanding this distinction provides insight into the company’s mission and operating goals.
- Do employees tend to stay with the company for long periods? Employee biographies on the company website or LinkedIn profiles can reveal trends in tenure.
- Does the company have one or more locations? If multiple locations exist, are specific jobs housed at a given location? This helps clarify where your role fits geographically and organizationally.
- Where is the position you’re applying for located? Double-check the job posting to confirm location details and whether remote work options are mentioned. Knowing the company’s location allows you to plan for reliable transportation to work.
- What services or products does the business offer beyond the department or area you’ll work in? Knowing the company’s broader offerings shows a big picture understanding of its operations.
- When was the company founded, and has it undergone significant ownership or management changes? This can indicate its stability, growth, and adaptability over time.
- Where does your potential role fit within the company’s structure? Understanding how your position contributes to the organization demonstrates strategic thinking.
Conducting Market Research
Understanding the broader market context of the company you are interviewing with can provide valuable insights into its operations and stability. Consider the following questions as part of your market research:
- Can you find the company’s published annual reports? These reports can reveal key details about the organization’s financial health, performance, and history.
- What are the organization’s primary sources of revenue? Identifying these can help you understand the company’s core business areas and financial priorities.
- How long has the company been offering its current services or products? Assess whether it has adapted its offerings over time to stay relevant in the market.
- What steps is the business taking to align with trends, advances in its industry, or changing consumer demands? This shows how forward-thinking and competitive the company is.
- What is the company’s market presence? Determine whether the organization holds a significant geographic or market share locally, nationally, or globally.
- What is the state of the industry market? Analyze whether the industry is expanding, remaining steady, or shrinking, as this can influence the company’s long-term prospects.
Answering these questions will give you a deeper understanding of the company’s position within its industry and prepare you to discuss its market strategies during the interview.
Analyzing the Competition
Understanding the competitive landscape is essential for gaining a comprehensive view of a company’s position in its industry. Consider the following questions when researching a company’s competitors:
- How do the competitors compare? Examine key factors like size, revenue, products or services offered, and the geographic areas they serve.
- Which other organizations compete in the same market? Identify businesses that provide similar services or products and assess their market share.
- How do consumers perceive the target company versus its competitors? Look for significant differences in customer satisfaction, loyalty, or target demographics.
- Can you find published annual reports for the competition? These reports can provide valuable insights into the competitor’s financial health, growth trends, and industry standing. Compare these findings with the information you’ve gathered about the company you are interviewing with.
Researching the competition helps you understand the company’s strengths and challenges, and equips you to ask more informed questions during your interview.
Understanding the Workforce, Work Structure, and Schedule
Researching a company’s workforce and work structure can provide insight into its culture and employee satisfaction. Consider these questions as part of your research:
- What does the Bureau of Labor Statistics say about the field you’re interviewing in? Explore national, state, and local data to understand the broader job market and trends within the industry.
- What can you learn from the company’s published materials? Look for clues about the type of worker who thrives at the company, such as preferred skills, experience, or values.
- What’s the general sentiment among employees? Based on your research, do you get a sense that employees are happy and satisfied? Check for employee testimonials or reviews that might indicate the overall work environment.
In summary, thorough research before your interview helps you gain valuable insights into the company’s history, structure, values, and market position. You’ll better understand if it’s a company that aligns with your values and goals. Lastly, by understanding the organization’s strengths and challenges, you can enter the interview well-prepared, confident, and ready to ask informed questions that show your genuine interest in the role and the company.
This article is based on the APH Job Seeker’s Toolkit, a free, self-paced, comprehensive, and accessible guide to the employment process for job seekers who are blind or low vision.