1. 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

2. 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%

3. 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%

4. 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.

5. The process begins with assessing yourself Setting Skills Interest Values

6. Prestige Security Variety Social Monetary Time Job Flexibility

7. Pieces to the 411 Pie. External projections Internal buzz Outside perceptions

8. 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?

9. 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

10. What to Know Size Locations, Multinational? Function? What services are offered? Main product line—if any? Standing/Funding in the industry?

11. Major Trends Eye on the future Goals and Strategies Expansions

12. Clients Client Profile Major Competitors

13. The Stats Resource: HooversHoovers Size Location Competitors Key Personnel (bios and salaries) Geographical locations Industry Lists and Major Players

14. Using the Stats Locations desirable? Understand the product? Contacts for creating your own opportunities.

15. The Inside Scoop Thomson Research Annual reports Strategies and Goals SCC Filings ($$$ info) Health Markets Purpose of business History Expansions

16. Let the Scoop give you an Edge Financial stability. Future of business niche. Projects and divisions of special interest. Product: do you understand it?

17. 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?

18. 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

19. Business Source Elite Datamonitor reports Some private companies included Corporate culture

20. As you search… Set priorities and rank factors. Take thorough notes. Watch the authority of your source. Realize that everything is not written down.

21. Get Started Early Retain information Determine fit or organization as well as position. Jump on opportunities

22. 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.