How to Research an Employer

Say you've been offered a job, or maybe a company you think you'd like to work for has caught your attention. Before you make the decision to jump on board, research the company and research it well. The following article will tell you what to look for and how to find it.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Research the Company Financials

1. Check out YahooFinance for a business summary, stock quote and other financial information. You're looking for indicators of how the company is doing. If stock is falling, and has steadily been falling for awhile, you can bet the company is struggling. Look at the leaders in the company. What are they doing with their shares?

2. Look the company up online at Hoovers to get key financials, the competitive landscape, where the company ranks on the Fortune 500 list, and other pertinent information. Again, you're looking for indicators of how strong the company is. Is growth forecasted? Has there been recent mergers or sales?

3. Check the NASDAQ Company Financials page for another perspective. (See link under references, below).

Check the Company's Reputation

4. Look on the Better Business Bureau's website (see References below) for complaints filed against the company. What is the most common problem? Does the company seem fair and honorable based on the information posted on the BBB?

5. Check WorkingMother and Great Places to Work (see References below) to determine where the company ranks against these popular lists.

Check the Company's Website

6. Company websites are a great place to learn about a company. In many cases, you can even download annual reports for in-depth study.

7. Look for benefits information on the website. Is the company competitive in that area? Do they offer health, life, vision, dental and disability insurance to employees? How about 401K and pension plans? Education reimbursement?

8. Review the listed job opportunities on the company website. This helps you gauge whether or not professional growth opportunities exist. It also helps you understand what potential moves might have to take place before you can advance in your career.

Review the Latest News

9. Check the major internet search engines (mainly Google or Yahoo!) for recent general news on the company you're interested in. Companies are often reported in the news, but don't forget that sometimes they're also featured in magazines. Think Fortune, Forbes and the likes.

10. Check YahooFinance for recent economical news on the company you're interested in.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't stop at financials and news about the company you're interested in. Look at its competitors in the same way. This will further shine light on the one you're interested in.

Resources

• Hoovers
• YahooFinance
• Great Place to Work
• Working Mother
• Better Business Bureau Online
• NASDAQ Company Financials