
Use this handy list of criteria to narrow down your job search…
The Employer
Company details
- Company name (check spelling!)
- Research company’s main website
- Research company’s careers page
- Main location (HQ) and regional locations
- Company size and annual turnover
Company business
- What services does the company provide?
- What products does the company make?
- What is the company’s mission statement?
- Can I sum up these details in my own words?
Clients and customers
- Who uses this company’s services/products?
- Where do clients and customers use these services/products – is the company’s business local, national or international?
Competitors
- What other organisations offer similar services/products in this area?
- How do the companies compare to your prospective employer?
News
- Check to see if the company has made any recent press releases.
- Check to see if the company has been in the news lately.
The Position
Relevant opportunities
- Work experience/internships/placements/school leaver schemes
- What does the opportunity you are applying for involve?
Position requirements
- Is there a required degree background or result?
- Are there minimum UCAS points required?
- Are there any necessary skills or experience?
Application details
- Type of application (covering letter and CV, online form etc.).
- Application deadline – make sure to get yours in well before the given date.
- Contact details – who should your application be addressed to?
Selection process
- What is the company’s selection process – tests, interviews, assessment centres etc.?
- If this information is not available on the website, are there contact details for the recruitment team?
- Does the company’s website give any application tips or layout any necessary application elements?
The Culture
Company image
- What does the company state or imply its core values to be?
- How does the organisation brand itself?
- Can you concisely summarise your thoughts and opinions on the above?
- Has the company won any awards related to its products or services recently?
- What do current interns and graduates say? Read employee profiles here.
Expectations
- Will you be based in one location or does this opportunity involve travel?
- If travel is required, how often and how far?
- What training is on offer?
- How is your training structured?
- What is the company’s record for employing graduates who have previously completed work experience with them?
- Are there any benefits on offer with this opportunity?
Reflection
- After completing all this research, what are your thoughts on the organisation?
- Why do you want to apply to this company?
- What can you offer this company?
- Prepare a list of questions to ask at interview.