With all the other work of preparing resumes, applying for jobs and going on interviews, company research often took a back seat. Today the issue is much changed. Now, from the comfort of a computer, you can obtain more information about a company than ever before. Along with electronic access to the information mentioned above there are new resources that allow you to look into company information in ways that were impossible years ago. Using the World Wide Web, Usenet News and other online discussion groups you can even find out deep dark secrets that most companies would rather remained hidden.
Most companies have a web site now that lists the most basic of information.
You might be able to find names and information about the principles of the company and what they might be looking for in an employee. Overall, though, it is important to remember that this information is going to present the company in the best light possible. In fact, for all the research, you will need to keep in mind the source of the information and any bias that might be ingrained but unstated. SEC reports and other public documents are also available online. This allows you to access annual reports and easily search them for the pertinent information such as profitability, debt and important upcoming projects.