Employment Planning

Company Research

Companies are not just choosing you, you’re choosing them. Find out enough about the company, its products, culture and mission so that you know if its goals match with your goals and priorities.

Things to Learn
• How long has the company been established?
• How many people does it employ in what positions, and locations?
• What is the staff turn over? Do people stay long, or do they move on quickly? If so, why?
• Do the company’s standards and ethics match your own?
• Ask the Human Resource department what the pay range would be - don’t ask in the interview.
• The company may have literature it can send or an Internet site you can visit. Call and ask.
• You may consider asking for a tour of the facility.
• Do you know anyone who has worked for the company or is in the industry that can give an opinion of the company?
• Your overall aim is to get a “feel” for the company. Knowing about it will be useful in an interview and possibly help you avoid working in an uncomfortable environment.

Questions to Ask
During an interview, you should ask questions that give you a better understanding of the company.
• What are the duties involved with the position?
• What would be expected of you, and what is considered your greatest responsibility?
• What are the opportunities for promotion and advancement? This information helps you make career plans and shows long-term commitment.
• What sort of environment will I work in?
• How many people will I work with? Who do you report to?
• How is my performance monitored? You need to be sure an appraisal system is in place that will show your achievements.
• What is the company’s future?
• Is the company expanding?
• Where will the company be in five years?
• When will you be making your decision?