Q: I’VE got an interview and want to research the company.

Apart from the internet, are there any other ways of finding information on specific companies?

A: Although the internet is a useful source of information on potential employers. It is possible to research a company using other methods:

  • Library – use your reference library to obtain company reports. This will give you an indication of the structure of the company, its products, profit and loss.
  • Trade and specialist sector publications – these contain information on issues in a specific sector and reports on companies.
  • Books – your local library may have books that offer information on employers, including some that focus on their qualities as an employer.
  • Newspaper reports – these can be local or national. You can use the resources in your local library to look up current and archived stories on a company.
  • Visit your potential employer. Some companies are open to the public – for example, banks or retailers. Observe how the business is run, inspect their products and obtain any literature on offer.
  • Application pack – some companies will include a short synopsis on themselves.
  • Networking – use your contacts to obtain inside information on a company.
  • Company literature – obtain copies of any literature the company issues – for example, advertising and through trade or careers fairs.

    Alison Taylor
    Lifelong learning advisor Learndirect advice line