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In this phase of your job application process, you will conduct thorough research on the company you are considering applying to. This step is crucial as it not only helps you decide if the job is a good fit for you but also aids in crafting an effective cover letter and prepares you for a potential interview. Start by creating a new document for note-taking and conduct an online search for the company, using quotation marks around the company’s name if it consists of multiple words. Visit the company’s official website, often found at the top of search results, to gather key information. Pay special attention to the company’s mission statement or motto typically located on the “About Us” page, as it reflects the company’s goals and values. Extend your research to news articles to understand the challenges and successes of the company. These insights can guide you in articulating how your skills, education, or volunteer experiences align with the company’s needs and achievements.
After gathering information from the company’s website and news articles, expand your research to professional networking sites. This approach provides a well-rounded perspective, encompassing what the business says about itself and what others, like employees and customers, are saying. Your next step is to identify the hiring manager, which can often be found on professional networking sites. Knowing the name of the hiring manager can personalize your application and cover letter. If you have connections within the company, don’t hesitate to reach out to them for insider knowledge about the work environment, company challenges, and what to expect when applying. Personal recommendations can significantly boost your application, especially in a competitive job market. You can even ask if they’d be willing to refer you or have your application personally noticed by the hiring manager. Your task now is to search for the business online, gather and document information from various sources, and if possible, speak to someone within the company for additional insights and a potential recommendation.