You want the job? . . .
Get Noticed - Do Your Homework

Before You Apply

Become the Target
In today's competitive job market, where downsized companies have fewer Human Resources employees handling more tasks, one person does not have the luxury of lingering over resumes to narrow the "must interview" list. Your cover letter provides an opportunity for you to stand out among a stack of applications and become a target for an interview. But you must do your homework.

Know Your Company
Some information is essential. At minimum, you should know:
1. The company's full name and what any initials represent
2. The nature of the business
3. A short history of the business, including opening date and significant accomplishments.
4. The location of company headquarters, the CEO's name, the approximate number of employees and a general idea of company revenues.

Other helpful information would include an idea of the scope and nature of the product market, overseas affiliations, recent mergers and acquisitions, areas of likely expansion or downsizing and an idea of organizational philosophy.

Where to Look

The Net
Access the Internet and you will have a wealth of information at your fingertips. A visit to a company's web site will reveal much about products and services and give you an idea of the public image that the company chooses to project. A web search may also be conducted to access most essential background information.

The Local Library
Your local reference librarian can be very useful, particularly if you are not familiar with current technology. Most libraries have access to the Internet along with CD Rom-based information, and your librarian can assist you in the process.

If possible, acquire a copy of the company's annual report to stockholders. These reports will tell you very quickly about the company's history, products, people and sales.

Also, the library will have a host of business directories, trade publications and business-related books and magazines.

Local Chamber of Commerce
Small companies provide less public information. However, the local Chamber of Commerce is in the business of promoting business and should know its constituents. If not, someone at the Chamber will know where to send you.

Your Network
Contact your friends and associates for any information they might have on the company in question.

Put Your Research to Work

Organize
Once you have gathered as much information as possible, you will need to organize it, then use it. It may be helpful to create a checklist-style worksheet that can be used for every company researched.

Use it Effectively
Be sure to have your research adapted to your cover letter. At the interview, with a winning cover letter in hand, you will be able to easily and skillfully answer the question, "What do you know about our company?"

Winning cover letters are a part of the process!

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Sharon, PA 16146
724.342.0100
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