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Employer Research

To interview, you need to know as much as possible about the employer. Effective research is an excellent way to stand out from among other candidates. The work you put into your research and interview preparation reflects your level of interest and commitment to the position, and interviewers know this.

Here is some advice from JHU Professor Leslie Kendrick:

When I ask students if they’ve researched a company in preparation for an interview, or before writing a cover letter, the answer I get is, “Yes, I looked at their web site.” The next question I ask is, “What do you think the typical student would do to prepare for an interview?” “Look at the company’s web site,” is the reply. Then, my follow up question is, “How do you expect to differentiate yourself if your preparation is comparable to that of every other applicant?” Read more: Effectively Researching Companies and Using Findings To Impress Employers (pdf)

Get Started
There is abolutely no substitute: employer research is critical to interviewing. Here are some ways to get started.

• Become very familiar with the employer's website. Not doing so is a common but grave mistake. The interviewer will quickly discover if you know the basics or not.
  
  
• If the employer is participating in on-campus recruiting, attend their information session if they hold one. Employers expect interviewees to exhibit an understanding of the material covered.
  
  
• Visit the employer's table if they attend a career fair at Johns Hopkins. Career fairs are both an opportunity for the employer to get to know you and for them to share information about the organization.
  
  
• Learn what the position requires in detail. This allows you to relate your experiences to the position requirements and to show why you are perfect for the job. The first step is to take a close look at the job or internship description.
  
  
• Use the selected online employer research resources listed in the Career Center's Best Career Links.
  
  
• Read any recent news items and on-going trends related to the employer or the employer's industry.
  
  
• Use InCircle to contact JHU alumni who work at the organization. Alumni can tell you more about the organization and the position for which you are applying.
  
  
• Make use of the Hopkins library's business research resources.
  
  
• Explore WetFeet Press (via the Sheridan Libraries) WetFeet provides profiles of selected industries and information about hundreds of employers. Available free to all Hopkins students.
  
  
• Check out the Riley Guide for more tips on employer research.
  
  
• This list is not meant to be exhaustive, but to get you started. If you have questions, schedule an appointment with a Career Center counselor.