Company Research Resources

It never ceases to amaze how many people will accept job offers without investigating their prospective employer. Would you get married without getting to know your future spouse? Would you buy a house without having it looked over by a home inspector? Would you even buy a car without first test driving it? Of course not, but people routinely accept jobs without ever researching the company they are about to work for.

The following resources can help you research companies:

• Factiva, Market Insight, Hoovers, VAULT, etc.: There are several online sites that will provide company reviews, main competitors, and additional industry and company information. Most charge a fee, so you may want to inquire at your local library about accounts they may have with these vendors.

• Company Website: Although biased, company websites are a great starting point in researching companies. Find out the basics: size, locations, products, services, history, investor information, etc. While this may be a good starting point, be sure not to make it your only stop when researching companies.

• Current and Former Employees: Why not speak with individuals who have actually worked there in order to get a true view of the company. The good, bad, and the ugly will come out – but at least you will be making your decision with the most information possible.

• Professional Associations: Associations will honor companies in their field who excel in their specific field. Check out professional associations to see if a company you are considering has been celebrated in the past or if there are any cautions posted about said company.

• Better Business Bureau: We often forget about this organization when researching companies, why not contact them to find out if there have been any complaints filed against the company or if the organization is recognized by the bureau for its business practices.