Nick Heinle all rights reserved. A successful job search requires that you research companies and industries in order to target the companies to which you wish to apply, and to present yourself as a knowledgeable, interested candidate. Since most job openings are not advertised, you need to apply to target companies regardless of whether or not the firms are advertising open positions. In addition, you need to learn enough about the companies to ask informed questions at the interview and relate your qualifications to the needs of the organization.
Many employers expect candidates to be familiar with their homepage.
Annual reports and other company literature, if read critically, can provide a wealth of information. You can request this literature directly from the organizations. Fenwick Library also has annual reports for some 7,000 publicly held companies available through Compustat Corporate Text. Articles in business periodicals, including newspapers and trade journals, are available in university libraries and major regional public libraries. Directories and employer databases differ widely in the quality and type of information provided.