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Unleash the Job Search Killer App: Investigative Company Research Co-presented by: Maggie Bartley, MIT Libraries Sheri Brodeur, Hewlett-Packard Alisa Tongg, MIT Careers Office
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Job Seekers Must Do Their Homework How frequently do job candidates demonstrate knowledge of your company or industry in their cover letters? Very Infrequently30% Somewhat Infrequently30% Somewhat Frequently27% Very Frequently10% Don’t Know/No Answer 3%
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I’d like to work here, but what exactly does your company do? How frequently do job candidates demonstrate knowledge of your company or industry in interviews? Very Infrequently 9% Somewhat Infrequently29% Somewhat Frequently44% Very Frequently15% Don’t Know/No Answer 3%
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How does researching your future employer help you? Increases chances of finding the best position. Determine if the company is financially sound. Discover the long-term prospects of the industry. Allows you to create a strong resume and cover letter. Grants you confidence and success in the interview.
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The process begins with assessing yourself Setting Skills Interest Values
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Prestige Security Variety Social Monetary Time Job Flexibility
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Pieces to the 411 Pie. External projections Internal buzz Outside perceptions
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What’s the word on the street? Analysis of trends and outlook on specific industries and companies. “Am I hot or not?”—Is anyone talking about the organization? Financially Sound? Competitors?
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Selecting Factors to Investigate Location Facilities Size Product or Service Financial Data History Strategies and Goals Management & Employee Data Executive Biography Employee Morale Salaries Industry Outlook Corp: public or private Subsidiaries & Divisions
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What to Know Size Locations, Multinational? Function? What services are offered? Main product line—if any? Standing/Funding in the industry?
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Major Trends Eye on the future Goals and Strategies Expansions
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Clients Client Profile Major Competitors
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The Stats Resource: HooversHoovers Size Location Competitors Key Personnel (bios and salaries) Geographical locations Industry Lists and Major Players
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Using the Stats Locations desirable? Understand the product? Contacts for creating your own opportunities.
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The Inside Scoop Thomson Research Annual reports Strategies and Goals SCC Filings ($$$ info) Health Markets Purpose of business History Expansions
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Let the Scoop give you an Edge Financial stability. Future of business niche. Projects and divisions of special interest. Product: do you understand it?
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The Players Standard & Poor’s Who’s #1 in industry, and why? Geographical “hot spots”? Trend outlook, how adaptable are you? What additional skills will you need to have?
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Public Opinion What are outsiders saying? LexisNexis Academic News articles about company Hard to find Private Companies Reputation (product, company culture etc.) Buzz Look at Source
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Business Source Elite Datamonitor reports Some private companies included Corporate culture
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As you search… Set priorities and rank factors. Take thorough notes. Watch the authority of your source. Realize that everything is not written down.
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Get Started Early Retain information Determine fit or organization as well as position. Jump on opportunities
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Employer Perceptions of researching their organization Reflects interest and enthusiasm Shows that you understand the interview process. Common knowledge base makes you a participant. You take your needs and preferences seriously.
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