Capture Real-World Career Insight & Advice That Will Prep You for The Big Time

Gaining a Competitive Edge

Have you ever felt like a small fish in a big pond of applicants? Perhaps it will help quell your apprehension if you gain a competitive edge of knowledge before entering into a corporate talent pool.

One article that I came across offers very good points about researching companies to whom you are interested in submitting a resume. It definitely offers ideas about where to focus your research, and what you should learn about a company while preparing for an interview.

But company research has evolved from the typical career fair networking and corporate Web site review. Here are a few other places to learn more intimate details about a company you are interested in applying for a job.

First, take a look at some of the social networking sites. Many companies have moved to MySpace and Facebook to market themselves to potential candidates. This would give you opportunity to ask questions about the company, its culture, and perhaps even the department you are interested in working with.

Next, visit a company's careers Web site and check out if there are options to receive information via email about company news and updates. This will give you an intimate look inside the company and provide a real time description of the goings on with the corporate culture.

Although they aren't as common as they probably should be, some companies are also developing corporate blogs with fresh content. Now, you can find those that are employee-generated such as Mini Microsoft, a Microsoft employee's blog. Here you can find useful information about the inner workings of the company, and what may be some of the "hot topics" among the workforce. However, you do have to remember that this is from an employee's point of view, who may or may not have had a good day with any given post.

These research areas, coupled with the basic Web site searches, will keep you head's above the competition. And at the very least, make you as prepared as possible for your interviews.

Good luck!