Do your research

Research is the essential first stage before you complete any job application. What do you want to know, and where will you find the information you need?

When the interviewer asks you "What attracts you to a career with this company?" (and they will ask it), be sure to have an answer. Obviously you want a job - but why this job, and why this employer? In short you need to:

know the job
know the employer
know the industry.

Google yourself

77% of employers use Google, or other search engines to check out prospective employees. What could they find out about you? Will it get you the job, or ruin your chances?

Things to find out

What do their employees think

Glassdoor
Millions of company reviews and ratings, salary reports, interview questions and more.

GradDiary.com
Includes company ‘insider' interviews and past interview questions.

The Job Crowd
100s of employers reviewed by employees.

Rate my Placement
Undergraduate placement, internship and work experience reviews.

The Student Room
Profiles of UK employers and professional qualification providers.

Target jobs Inside Buzz
Graduate employees give their view on employer culture, training, salary and benefits.

Connect via social media

Follow employers and see how they present themselves to potential recruits, and to industry peers and competitors.

Make connections with current employees of your target employer(s) and others across the industry.

Use LinkedIn Pulse to explore current issues in your chosen industry.

See Using LinkedIn for more on this.

Online networking

Employers use Facebook, Twitter and You Tube to engage with potential recruits and to communicate the culture of their organisation.

Follow organisations and learn how they wish to be seen, and what their key messages are.

See Online networking for more on this.

Check industry information

AnnualReports.com
Company annual reports are available to download.

Companies House
Access to information via Gov.uk - either free of charge or for a nominal fee.

Explore your career options
Links to professional bodies for information on current hot topics in your industry of choice.