This can help you decide if you truly want to work there. In addition, it can help you market yourself towards the employer's needs. You'll benefit from knowing someone already working for a potential employer who can give you some information about the place. Academia Find out what kind of research is being done in the department. The strength of the chairperson is often an indicator of the strength of the department.
Some places only give tenure to the top people on the planet.
Industry Many companies now have web pages that tell about the company. You may want to know about the health of the company by looking at their annual report or by their perfomance on the stock market . Dig up and match your strength to what the employer is looking for. Think about what qualities you want to convey about yourself. You can expect to be and dress a little more formal than you would going to work every day.