Researching Industries, Organizations & Positions

Doing research demonstrates your interest to an employer. Take time to learn more about the industry, the organization and position. Information you gather will allow employers to see that you are serious about this opportunity and it will assist you in preparing for interviews. This could be the difference between getting an interview and offer or not.

Research can mean looking on the internet, talking to people, job shadowing, etc. Be resourceful in how you find information.

• Research Industries: Speak with a career counselor to learn more about possible industries to research. Ask experienced alums and your professors for insight and advice. They're great resources for information about their career paths and options they may have considered before settling into their current positions. Alums can provide an insider's view of their industry within the world of work. Check out Resources by Career Field for specific information.
• Research Organizations: "Why do you want to work for our organization?" This is a guaranteed question you will be asked at some time during the interview process. Search the company website and Google for recent news about the organization. Also, find current and former employees to speak with about their experiences. Check out our Researching Organizations Tip Sheet for more detailed advice
• Research Positions: Be certain to investigate the details of the job. In addition to taking a careful look at the job description, check out the organization's website and find the department or division in which the position falls. Each department may have its own culture, set of goals and values. Be sure it's a good fit for you.