Viking Score: Research Employers
Research Employers| 4pts
Researching employer organizations and careers or fields of interest supports the job search in several ways. Learning all there is to know about a specific employer assists in customizing job search materials and preparing for interviews. Research also helps to identify organizations, job openings, and skills needed for specific careers and industries.
- To earn your Viking Score Points you must meet with a Career Coach to discuss what you have learned and plan for next steps
Information to review
| Mission & Values | Commitment to Diversity through Diversity Statements and Diversity Initiatives |
| Company culture and company reputation | Affinity/Identity Groups |
| Hiring trends | Awards or Recognition |
| Major competitors | Inclusive Language |
| Size of organization | Organization Demographics |
| Location of headquarters and satellite offices | Employee Benefits: Holidays and Paid Time Off (floating holidays), Parental Leave (all parents), Flexible Scheduling, Wellness Benefits, Tuition Assistance and Financial Education |
| Review their financials | Check out their social media |
Resources for researching employers:
- Browse individual organization’s websites
- Visit the Business Finder to identify and get contact information for employers in your local area
- Glassdoor: Register free to access company information and reviews
- Also check Businessweek for company and industry news
- Indeed Company Pages offer detailed information on companies around the world
- Access Fortune 500 Rankings
- Access Glassdoor Best Places to Work
- Access Forbes Business Lists
- Access Employer Directories and Career Guides on GoinGlobal (login to Handshake required)
- INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS: Access the H1-B database on GoinGlobal (login to Handshake required)
- Chambers of Commerce: Access Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce and Access Directory of US Chambers of Commerce
Research JOB DESCRIPTIONS
Reviewing current job descriptions can help make certain you have listed all of the appropriate skills and experiences you possess match with what employers typically seek for particular positions.
For each type of job title or position you are seeking, regardless of location or type of organization, do this:
- Using Indeed.com or LinkedIn.com, search for job titles
- Review each position description
- Highlight all the skills and requirements listed on the job description that you believe you possess. Only choose those skills and requirements that you could demonstrate or give examples for
- Incorporate every single one of those items you highlighted into your resume
- You can do this by adding Action Word Phrases to the positions you have listed on your resume OR you can add a Skill Highlights Section that includes the more general liberal arts skills such as those listed on the Transferable Skills Resource.