You wouldn’t buy a house without checking the neighborhood, scouring Nextdoor, and driving through the area in the middle of the night to get a vibe, so why would you apply for a job without doing your research?
Unfortunately, too many job seekers are following “spray and pray” approach, sending out applications with the enthusiasm of a toddler flinging spaghetti in the hopes something sticks (usually on the ceiling). Sure, that approach will certainly land you opportunities, but the likelihood is that you’ll end up with a job that covers the bills rather than a career that makes you happy to go to work each day. Job-search research—along with a solid job-search strategy—is key to achieving the latter rather than the former.
Let’s break down exactly what you should be researching, where to find the info, and why it matters.
Research the Company Before You Apply
Instead of just clicking “apply” when you find a promising position, conduct a little job-search research to ensure the company is legit (really, there are scams out there) and it is a place that aligns with your personality and goals.
Where to research:
- Company Website: Check out the “about” page, recent news, and mission statement.
- LinkedIn: Look at company updates, leadership profiles, and employee posts.
- Google News: Search for recent press releases, acquisitions, or controversies.
- Glassdoor and Blind: Read employee reviews for insights into work-life balance, leadership, and red flags.
Why it matters:
Understanding the company helps you tailor your resume and cover letter. If their mission is all about innovation, highlight your experience in forward-thinking projects. If they emphasize teamwork, showcase your collaboration skills. When you come across a recruiting firm posting a role, that doesn’t mean it’s time to run. Review them as you would the company and proceed appropriately.
Plus, if your research at this stage sends up some red flags, you’ll avoid a big time waster by moving on to the next, more-of-a-fit role.
Research Employees to Gain Traction
Part of the downfall of the “spray and pray” approach is that your application materials can be lost in the void that is the internet. You can gain traction by reaching out to hiring managers and recruiters and networking with their current employees.
Where to research:
- LinkedIn: Search for employees in the department you’re targeting, as well as recruiters.
- Company Blog or Website: Sometimes, companies highlight employees in blog posts or “meet the team” sections of the site.
- Industry Events and Webinars: See if company employees are speaking at events and go meet them! These are excellent networking opportunities.
Why it matters:
When applicants reach out to decision makers after applying, they see a huge uptick in transforming applications into interviews—upwards of 80% of the time, according to my clients. Plus, if a position isn’t available, you can still make inroads into the company to be in the know when they are hiring.
Research the Hiring Committee
Once you secure an interview, it’s not time to stop researching; it’s time to level up! Ideally, you’ll know the names of the interview committee, so check them out. This will help you make a connection and tailor your questions and answers to build rapport. After all, companies like to hire likable people.
Where to research:
- LinkedIn: Look at their job history, shared content, and mutual connections. If you have some things in common, make note.
- Company Website: Some companies list leadership bios that reveal insights into their priorities, which can be a different viewpoint from LinkedIn.
- Podcasts and Articles: Have they written or spoken publicly about industry trends? You’ll want to know.
Why it matters:
Job-search research at this level helps you to build connections. Imagine your interviewer is passionate about AI, and you bring up your experience in automation. Suddenly, you’re not just a candidate—you’re their kind of person.
Bonus tip: If you see someone on the interview committee went to the same school or worked at a company you did, use it as a conversation starter. Just don’t go full stalker mode; mentioning their dog’s name from an old Facebook post is not the move.
Research What Others Are Saying About the Company
Recruiters will paint the company as a utopia, but we both know that’s not always the case. Before you commit, get a real-world perspective.
Where to research:
- Glassdoor and Blind: Employee reviews often reveal the reality behind the job description.
- Reddit and Fishbowl: Anonymous discussions can provide candid opinions from current and former employees.
- News and Forums: Google “[Company Name] layoffs” or “[Company Name] culture” to spot red flags. If the company is public, Google can provide a wealth of information.
Why it matters:
You might uncover deal-breakers such as recent layoffs or micromanaging leadership. Just remember that people often leave company reviews when they’re unhappy, not just when things are rosy, so use the information you find, but balance it with your own intuition and feelings about the team and company.
Research Salary and Benefits
Money talk can be awkward, which is why you’ll want to have your ducks in a row before this topic is broached. Walking into salary negotiations blind is a rookie mistake.
Where to research:
- Glassdoor, Payscale, and Levels.fyi: View salary ranges for various roles.
- LinkedIn Salary Insights: Get an idea of estimated salaries based on job postings.
- Company Job Postings: Some states require companies to list salary ranges. Take advantage of that information.
Why it matters:
If you know the going rate for the position, you won’t undersell yourself or accept a lowball offer. Plus, you can confidently negotiate perks such as remote work, bonuses, or additional vacation days.
Research Company Culture
No job-search research is complete without a thorough review of the company’s culture. This information not only helps you make a good call on whether or not this is the place for you, but it also gives you better interview questions rather than the standard, “Tell me about your culture.”
Where to research:
- Company Website: Many companies will give you a sense of their environment through the look and feel of the website. Some will even share values, mission, and vision.
- Company Social Media: Do they post about employee achievements, events, or diversity initiatives?
- Glassdoor: Employees often share candid thoughts on leadership and work-life balance.
- LinkedIn Posts: Employees who love their workplace often talk about it. If no one from the company ever shares anything positive, that’s telling.
Why it matters:
A company’s culture affects your happiness and career growth. If they glorify “hustle culture” and you value work-life balance, it’s not a match.
Job-Search Research Is Work—and So Worth It
Researching before, during, and after applying for a job isn’t extra work, it’s essential work. It helps you stand out, avoid toxic workplaces, and land a job where you’ll thrive. And at the end of the day, that’s what all job seekers want. Before you send out that next application, stop and spend a little time on job-search research. It will make a huge difference in your ultimate results.
Most job seekers have no idea if their resume is working or getting lost in the abyss. Your Career Advocate writes resumes that get through ATS systems and into the hands of hiring managers, providing you with the tools and education you need to land more interviews and job offers. Learn more at yourcareeradvocate.co.