Knowing the Business

To impress a potential employer, do some homework on the company. If you’ve spent some time researching the company and its competitors, it demonstrates your interest in the job as well as your initiative.

To get started:

1. Look up the company on the Internet. Its Web site may contain some great information on company history and where it's going in the future. It may also list information about its products or services, as well as give a list of current clients.
2. Ask your local librarian for help researching a company. Many cities have local job guides and annual "books of lists" that give company details such as size, assets, main area of business, and key contacts in the business. Also ask the librarian for help finding information on the company's industry. Read a few articles about what the current hot topics are in that industry and be ready to mention that in your interview.