One of the most important steps you can take before searching for a job is to research organizations that are of interest to you. Researching organizations will help you learn more about your chosen career path while clarifying your immediate career goals. This step is especially critical when you are preparing for an interview. Advance knowledge about the organization you are interviewing with can be used to effectively convey your interest in the company, while giving you an edge in the interviewing process.
 

Researching Employers
(Fill in and save this PDF worksheet to help you compare and research companies).

How to Spot Fraudulent Employers and Postings

Online Reference Sources

The organization where the prospective opportunity is located may also be able to provide you with annual reports, job descriptions, department/division newsletters, and/or special reports. Don't forget that people inside the organization can be an invaluable resources—when you talk with someone, be sure that you get permission to use the information they give you. Always ask if the information is "on the record."

Handshake 

Pomerantz Business Library
The Pomerantz Business Library includes Vault, PrivCo, MarketLine Advantage, LexisNexis Academic, Mergent, Factiva, Business Source Complete, Glassdoor and sites covering corporate responsibility.
 

• Annual Reports
   
• Yahoo Finance
   
• Directory of American Firms Operating in Foreign Countries
   
• Vault.com
  Research companies and industries. Also includes career topics and articles. A Hawk ID and password is required for off campus access.
   
• Wetfeet.com - Do company research and get advice on job searching. Also includes the ability to search for job listings
   
• Bcorporation.net Database - Certified B Corporations and state approved Benefit Corporations are for-profit companies that meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.

More sites for research

• College Grad - Top Entry Level Employers
   

• Companies Online
   

• Edgar Database
   

• D & B Hoover's online
   

• NationJob
   

• Thomas Register
   

• Google
   

• New! Buzzfile - Buzzfile’s Employers by Major, enables students, alumni, and career service professionals to find and research thousands of potential employers for each major. With detailed information on 18 million companies, students can proactively seek and network with virtually any employer

Company Rankings

• Fortune Magazine
  Includes top 500 American companies, top 500 global companies, most admired companies, and top employers.
   
• Forbes Magazine
  Includes 200 best small US companies, 500 largest private US companies, 500 annual directory of American leading companies, and Platinum 400 (best performing companies).
   
• Inc. 5000
  Inc. magazine's annual list of America's fastest growing private companies.