Researching companies is important during at least two
phases of job-hunting: the early stage in which you are
deciding which companies to target, and the interviewing
stage, in which it's advantageous to go into the interview
knowing as much as possible about the prospective employer.
In this, QuintZine's ANNUAL RESEARCHING COMPANIES ISSUE, our
feature article addresses company research in preparation for the
company visit, and our special feature focuses on that early-stage
research and building a list of companies to target.
PUBLICATION SCHEDULE ANNOUNCEMENT:
QuintZine is going on a short summer break.
Look for our next issue on July 30.
Mastering the On-Site Interview: A Guide to Company Visits
It's something most job-seekers both eagerly
anticipate and sometimes dread: the invitation
to spend a day or two interviewing at a company's
office after an initial interview at a job fair,
a screening telephone interview, or during
on-campus recruiting.
The good news is that you made
the cut; the employer
thinks highly enough of you and your potential from
your initial interview to invite you for the visit.
The challenge that lies before you, however, is
mastering the informal and formal interviews
that await you on the visit.
Research Your Next Job by Targeting Your Preferences and Ideal Companies
"Let's demystify the process of job hunting," writes
regular QuintZine contributor Kathryn Lee Bazan.
"It's a very easy process and not at all like the
ritual of virgin sacrifice it's cracked up to be.
Just kidding about the virgin sacrifice..."
Bazan invites readers to become "certified 'Blue Sky Rangers,'
sprinkled with wishing dust so that you can conjure up your
dream of the perfect job and then go find it."
Through a mix of research and networking techniques, Bazan
suggests ways to pinpoint companies to target in your job search
and learn more about whether you want to work for them.
The WetFeet Network provides information
on companies, careers, and industries that job
seekers use throughout their careers to make
smarter career decisions. WetFeet also offers
job seekers expert advice, newsletters, salary
benchmarking tools, and discussion boards on
everything from negotiating a raise to writing
better cover letters.
Research categories include Companies,
Careers & Industries, Newsletters, Salary & Perks,
and Locations. Visitors also have an opportunity to
purchase guides and books.
The advice section includes material on
resumes, interviewing, managing your career,
internships, and diversity targeted to career changers,
MBAs, and undergrads. Some of the
advice comes in the form of discussion boards
on a wide variety of topics.
WetFeet also also offers job and internship listings.
Whether you are interested in getting some ideas and
guidelines for your own resume or would like to see
the quality of documents prepared by Quintessential
Resumes and Cover Letters, you can now view
samples of our work.
Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is
required for viewing
these resumes, can be downloaded free at the above address.
Web-based resume samples, primarily modeled after Web
resumes of our students, are also available. You can view these
Web-based resume samples.
Latest Additions: New Sites Added to QuintCareers
DevelopPro.com
-- a great job source, including access to a national job database, for development professionals serving
non-profit organizations. Job-seekers can search the job database, sign-up for an email job alert service, and
find career resources. Job-seekers must register to access all resources. Free to job-seekers.
FairfieldCountyJobs.com -- where job-seekers looking for
employment in Fairfield County, CT, can find a large number of jobs from more than 150 companies. Browse for
jobs by category, company, or city. Part of the AllCountyJobs.com network. Free to job-seekers.
LeadersOnline
-- where upper management professionals can maximize your job search by registering your profile and
resume with this service of Heidrick & Struggles, one of the leading executive search firms. Job-seekers
are contacted when job matches occur. Jobs in the $75K-$180K salary range. Free to job-seekers.
SalesVacancies.com
-- a great site for looking for sales jobs in the UK. Job-seekers can search for jobs (by keywords, industry, job title,
location, salary) as well as post your CV. Also includes company profiles and discussion forum. Currently
more than 1,000 job listings. Free to job-seekers.
Find even more career and job site additions to Quintessential Careers by visiting our
Latest
Additions section.
Derek writes: "I just recently graduated with a BS in
Computer Information Systems and a minor in business.
I have been searching for a job for several months and
have probably sent out close to 1,000 resumes. Yet I've
only had three interviews, and none of these led to my hiring.
Is it me or is everyone having this much trouble right now
because of the market?"
Kenneth writes: "Last month during a college graduation
in Chicago I received an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity
from one of the local seminaries. I had been living in Chicago
for a year just to complete some graduate study, but now I
have moved back home. While I was in Chicago, I met several
clergy who received honorary doctorate degrees in the past
who use the title 'Dr." before their name on a regular basis
and even wear academic bars on their robe. I am from a much
smaller community where not many people have a doctorate
degree, earned or honorary. Just to document my
accomplishment,
I had a notice about my achievement in the local paper, and
I am getting a fair amount of non-positive feedback. What is
the proper use concerning this matter?"
Anonymous writes: "I'm having trouble figuring out what
I want to be. I'm good at lots of things like computers,
mechanics, and sports. I am also very innovative. I'm always
coming up with ideas. Can you help?
Fintan writes: "I left my last job several weeks ago.
I left as there was much maneuvering, manipulation
and political intrigue. However I believe I cannot
say this to prospective employers. What can I say?"
Q TIPS: Quick and Quintessential Career & Job Tips
Before going on a job interview, be sure to research the company,
advises Diana LeGere, of Executive Final Copy. What is the firm's
mission and how long has it been in business? Check stock prices
and review the company Web site. Perhaps you can get a feel for
the organization's hiring style. Does the company talk
about its employees online? Are others encouraged to apply?
If possible, obtain the name of your interviewer and learn a little
about his or her style. Do not be shy. Ask the receptionist: 'I
have an interview on Friday with Mr. Clark. What can you tell me
about him?' You will be amazed at how helpful people can
be. Your interviewer will know that you took the time to prepare.
Similarly, be assured that everyone will see you as a candidate with
something extra. Remember that you are prepared when you can answer
questions. You are even more prepared when you can ask them!"
This Q Tip courtesy of Diana C. LeGere president of
Executive Final Copy and
employment coordinator for Greenbacks Bringing Hope
Foundation in Salt Lake City, UT.
Younger jobseekers who want to learn more about companies
and jobs got a recent boost from Juniorjobs.com, a job-hunting
site for teens that has introduced "job clips," Web commercials
created by 17-year-old founder of juniorjobs.com, Saied Ghaffari.
Ghaffari creates the "job clips" on his Apple titanium laptop
using Apple iMovie2 software. The 30-second commercials
feature employers with job openings for teens talking about why
teens should work for them. Juniorjobs.com currently focuses
on teen jobs in the greater Washington, DC, area but plans
to go nationwide soon. The average age of the registered users
is 16.5. Visit the site.
The Web site Jobcircle has a nice article on company research
called Ten
Things You Should Know About Researching Companies. The article
has great advice, such as starting your research early, talking to
people who work at the company, checking your facts, getting the scoop
from impartial information providers (such as WetFeet, our Site of the Issue)
and seeking out media coverage of the firm.
And don't forget two
great Quintessential Careers resources:
Would you like to make a credited
contribution to our special Aug. 13 Back to Campus
issue of QuintZine, featuring articles and sidebars
on the value and importance of college career services
offices? Deadline: Aug. 1. Write us for details at
kathy@quintcareers.com.
QuintZine: Topics in Upcoming Issues
WATCH FOR feature articles on these topics in upcoming
issues of QuintZine:
* Case-based interviews
* How to conduct a long-distance job search
* The importance of company culture
* Letters of recommendation and references
* Career portfolios
* How to handle a request for a salary history
* How to land an internship
* How to get a promotion
* Should you get an MBA?
* Leverage your accomplishments
* Older workers and age discrimination
* The value of a college education
* Networking timetable for college students
* The vital role of the college career services office
* Using key marketing tools to positions yourself in the job market
* Quintessential Career Profiles of YOU, our readers
* Q&As with well-known career experts
* Book reviews
. . . and much, much more!
Quintessential Careers now offers writing services
for those who have been asked to give a speech and
need assistance in researching and writing their
remarks.
RESUMES * JOB SEARCH CORRESPONDENCE FROM TRUSTED EXPERTS * COVER LETTERS
We create resumes,
cover letters, curriculum vitae, thank-you and
follow-up letters, and list-formatted documents,
such as salary histories and reference lists.
We also can provide critiques and makeovers of
your resume or cover letter. Credit cards accepted.
