Advice & Tips
At JobJar we pride ourselves on guiding our candidates through the recruitment process. From perfecting your CV and interview techniques, right through to being offered the ideal job. The following are handy tips which you may find useful as you embark upon this journey to finding your ideal role - and your JobJar consultant will always be there to provide additional advice and assistance for every step of the way.
- How to Write your CV
- CV Template
- Writing a Covering Letter
- Company Research
- How to Handle the Interview
- The Second Interview
- Counter Offers
- Is your Last Day Really your Last Day?
- Preparing for the First Day at Work
- Contracting – First Day Nerves
- Should I Stay or Should I Go?
Company Research
Why research?
Whether you are looking for a new job, a change of career or it’s your first job, research is essential when preparing for an interview.
Being successful in an interview can depend on many factors. Experience, Personality, Confidence, Skills, Ability can all be aspects that are looked at. Despite these factors though, it is a common mistake to not take the time to research the prospective employer.
Doing the proper research means that you will attend an interview suitably prepared which is the key to success. Having an understanding of the company will help you decide whether it is the organisation for you and will also give you an advantage in the interview when answering questions, but more importantly when coming to ask them! Having knowledge of the company and linking this to any questions will no doubt impress any interviewer.
Interview research
Below are some useful things to find out about a potential employer prior to an interview:
- What exactly does the company do? How long has it been established? And what is the company’s mission statement?
- Is the company expanding and growing or downsizing?
- Who are their major competitors?
- What skills they are looking for, such as education, previous experience etc…
- How do the skills you have relate to what they are looking for?
Having a general idea about the organisation will give you confidence during the first interview, and as stated above, will put you in a good position to ask relevant questions, referring to your research.
Where to find Information
The following are useful places to look for information:
- Internet – Most companies will have a company website, if not you should be able to find out industry specific information on them and their competitors
- Consultants – Our consultants can give you detailed information on the job itself, the location, skills and experience needed and general company information
- Directories and Journals – Trade associations & institutes produce directories and journals that can give you information on trends and issues relating to that industry, try your local library or directory enquiries
- Pop into reception on your lunch hour – You can get company information there and it will ensure that you know your way there so you won’t be late for your interview
- Use your own contacts – Ask colleagues or other professionals in the field for information
- Competitor information – Whether it is from the Internet, newspapers or journals, this may give you valuable information on the company and the differences between it and its’ competition
- Business News – Keeping up to date with current affairs and industry news is very useful, reading an industry related magazine every week can be very helpful
- Local Libraries and Internet – You can find out about the company profile from your local library or on the internet, or request it directly from the company
Whether during your job search, or preparing for an interview, doing research on a potential employer is essential in order to be successful.
