Researching Career Opportunities
Job Hunting Research @ CSULA
Looking for a job is tough work. The best job hunters and most successful candidates use information to their advantage. Researching industries, job related sources and companies including competitors can really make the difference between an OK interview and a GREAT one. Same goes for cover letters and even on-line resumes and job applications.
Invest some time in your future by researching the industries, jobs and companies that you'd like to see yourself working in or at. It can really make the difference!
Job Hunting Research Databases
Library Databases and Internet Sites
The following databases and internet sites can be useful for researching industries, jobs (description, working envronment, likeliness of openings over the coming years etc) and more. Use information like this to polish resumes and cover letters as well as to sound informed and knowledgeable in interviews and when writing thank you notes or emails after interviews.
- Bureau of Labor StatisticsThe job searchers bible! This free database is full of relevant information about salaries, occupational outlooks for fields and positions and geographic hiring trends.
- The Glass DoorAmazing site that gives reviews of companies, typical interview questions/formats, salaries and more.
- Company ProfilesHave an interview with a large company? Start by getting an authoritative overview of the company including strategy and recent financial performance.
- Industry SurveysUnderstand industry challenges and 'pain points' as a way of appearing informative and knowledgable during interviews. Tip: Ask questions related to industry challenges to convey the idea that you understand the business you are seeking a job in!
- LexisNexisLexisNexis has multiple job hunting applications. You can search news to see what's going on with a company or industry. You can also use the company list feature under researching companies to get a target list of companies in a certain zip code or city that meet your needs (for example all of the small companies that provide accounting and auditing services in Los Angeles).
- PlunkettPlunkett is a library database that provides access to recruiters and HR personnel at thousands of companies!
- FactivaSearch Factiva for newspapers, industry magazines and information from business sources to understand a company's products or strategies as well as industry trends.
- Marketshare ReporterNot sure how successful a company is in the area it is competing? This resource will tell you with short, straightforward rankings and percentages of market share held by the top companies.
- Mergent OnlineUse Mergent to search SEC filings by clicking the Government Filings tab. Search 10K, 10Q, 8K for the most relevant disclosures for interview prep and writing cover letters.
- ABI Inform Trade and IndustryUse FirstResearch reports to understand a business type or smaller industry. Click the Browse tab and select FirstResearch; Then select the business type most like the one you want to understand better.
- IBIS World Industry ReportsEasy to use industry intelligence that can really help you understand the challenges and obstacles businesses face.
Faculty Profile |
 Michael Germano JD, MA, MS     Contact Info Spring 2012 Office Hours: T 4:30-5:30; W 2:00-4:00; Th 2:00-3:00 or by appt. For all office hours check in at information desk. To schedule an appt: email mgerman@calstatela.edu or text 769-287-1015 Links: Profile & Guides |
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