Why should I research employers and industries?

To be more prepared than your competition.
To demonstrate to an employer that you are interested in his/her company.

When should I research employers and industries?

Before making initial contact with an employer.
Before going to a job interview.
Before negotiating salary.

What information should I obtain and where? Find out about: services or products - competitors within the industry - growth pattern - reputation - divisions and subsidiaries - location - size, including number of employees - sales, assets, earnings - new products and projects - number of locations - any foreign operations. Look in:

Jackson Library Databases for Company Research - This online guide links to library databases for company research that could help you better prepare for an interview and be a stronger candidate.

The UNCG Vault Online Career Library includes links to 2,500+ Vault Company Profiles and 2,500+ Company Discussion Areas in Vault's Electronic WaterCooler.

UNCG Career Services (The Career Library is located in #1 Elliott University Center)
Jackson Library (Business Librarian)
Greensboro Public Library

Resumagic
Wetfeet
America's Career InfoNet
The Riley Guide
Jobweb's Employer Profiles
Hoover's On-Line(Also, the UNCG Jackson Library has a full, paid subscription to Hoover's and can provide more detailed company profiles, if necessary, than this free version of Hoover's)