Do your research

Research is an essential first stage before you complete any job application, to determine whether the job, the employer and the industry is a good fit.

Plus, any interviewer will almost certainly ask you – why this job, and why this company? Be sure to have an answer.

Google yourself

77% of employers use 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 the company's employees think 

  •  has millions of company reviews and ratings, salary reports, interview questions and more.
  •  has employee reviews of hundreds of employers.
  •  has reviews of undergraduate placements, internships and work experience.
  •  has profiles of UK employers and professional qualification providers.
  •  has views from graduate employees on employer culture, training, salary and benefits.

Connect via social media

LinkedIn

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.

Online networking

Employers also use Facebook, Twitter and YouTube 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

  •  has company annual reports available to download.
  •  via gov.uk has information about companies - either free of charge or for a nominal fee.