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Research Employers

Wondering which companies may be hiring in your field? Want to find out more about a company you are thinking of working for? Use these simple research tips for the most informed job searches.

General Employer Research Tips

  • Locate employers' websites. Enter the full name of the business into a search engine such as Google or Yahoo.
  • Consult more than one information source. Remember that a company's website is not the most objective source.
  • Look for relevant, timely information. Review only recently posted content that helps answer the questions listed below.
  • Learn how to search for a job to identify job openings and break into a company's hidden job market.
  • Once you've done your research, test your knowledge. Practice for a job interview using Common Interview Questions.

Learn About Occupations, Industries, and Companies

If you're just beginning your research, use this list of questions to help you find basic information.

Question Where to Search on ISEEK
What businesses are located in my area?Business Search
Which industries are major employers for the occupation I'm interested in?Find Industries
What are the typical wages for this occupation?Salary Information
What are the background and training requirements in this occupation? Career Clusters
Have there been many job openings in the recent past in this field? Minnesota Job Vacancies
What are the future trends for this field?Minnesota Growing Careers


Research Individual Companies

Narrow down your list to a few employers. Then use the questions here to learn more about those companies. Do this before you apply for a job or go on an interview:

Question Where to Search
What products/services does the employer provide?

What industry trends are affecting the company? 		Employer websites. These often describe of the company unit(s) that may be hiring in your field. They also provide details on the types of products/programs they offer.

Regional or state publications such as:
  • Chamber of Commerce directories
  • Manufacturers' directories by state
  • Minnesota Directory of Manufacturers
National publications in printed format. Most libraries have copies in their business sections.
  • National Trade & Professional Associations
  • Standard and Poor's Register of Corporations, Directors & Executives
  • The Macmillan Directory of Leading Private Companies
  • Ward's Business Directory of Major U.S. Private Companies
The titles above are just a few examples. Almost every type of field or industry has its own trade association.
What jobs does the company typically hire for?

What is the employer's hiring policy?		Employer websites. These often include hiring policies and job openings.

College and university placement offices. Check if the company is recruiting on campus. Find out which qualifications they look for when they hire.
What are the employer's mission and values?

Has there been any recent important news related to the company?		 Annual reports, employer newsletters, brochures, advertisements. Look at the latest press releases and annual reports online. Or contact the employer's public relations office or personnel department. Annual reports outline the employer's successes, growth, history, and financial status.
What is the employer's financial situation? Is it making money? Has it downsized in the last five years?

What do others think about the company? 		Current newspapers, trade journals, and business magazines. The business section of most papers have articles about local companies and their executives. You can find back copies in library archives. For businesses in the Twin Cities consult Finance and Commerce and the Minneapolis – St. Paul Business Journal. Consult BusinessWeek for company and industry news nationwide.
What's it really like to work for this employer?Current or past employees. Talk with people who are working or have worked for the company.

Source: Creative Job Search, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.