Job Search Tip: Before You Apply, Do This 10-Minute Company Check

You found a job opening that looks terrific. The title fits, the salary looks promising, and you meet most of the qualifications.

Ready to hit Apply? Not quite.

Before spending an hour tailoring your resume and cover letter, spend ten minutes doing some initial research on the company. It’s one of the simplest ways to make your job search more effective.

Three Things Worth Checking

1. What does the company actually do?

Don’t settle for the description in the job posting. Visit the company’s website. Who are its customers? What does it sell? What problems does it solve? The answers will help you explain in your resume and cover letter why you’re a strong fit.

2. What’s happening at the company right now?

Search for recent news. Is it expanding, launching new products, changing leadership, or laying people off? Any of these developments could affect the opportunity. Employee reviews on sites like Glassdoor can add context, too, though any single review should be taken with a grain of salt.

3. Do you know anyone who works there?

Check LinkedIn for current or former employees in your network. A conversation with someone who knows the company could provide valuable insight, and perhaps even an introduction.

The Bottom Line

A job posting tells you what an employer wants.

A little digging helps you understand what you’re getting into and how to make a stronger case for yourself.

Ten minutes of research could save you hours of wasted effort. Or help you recognize an opportunity that’s even better than you thought.

Ready to get strategic about your career? Let’s talk.