3.1 Researching the Labour Market in Ontario
Before applying for a job in a particular company, you should conduct some research to learn more about the organization. There are two principal reasons why research is important:
- The candidate who has the most knowledge of the company’s needs and a clear idea of how those needs can be met will be seen more positively by employers than someone who knows nothing about the company. Being able to refer knowledgably to a company’s new product line will impress an employer during the interview.
- Knowing about the organizational environment will help you to decide if it’s the sort of place in which you would be productive and happy.
Some areas to research:
What is the company’s product or service?
Who are its clients or customers?
How long has it been in business?
Has the company reported steady growth?
What are some of the company’s recent successes?
How many people does it employ?
How is it structured internally?
What is the company’s position in the market?
What companies are growing?
What companies have filed recent patents, or many patents?
Who is expanding internationally?
Who is participating in career fairs or has multiple job ads on website?
What education and training does the organization recognize?
What is the company’s reputation?
Where to find the information:
Annual reports
Blue Book of Canadian Business
Blue Books (community level)
Canadian Almanac Directory
Financial Post Surveys of Companies
Scott’s Directory
Who’s Who Directories
Professional Associations
Government Agencies
Libraries
Internet Searches (e.g. forbes.com)
Keep in mind that not everything that’s reported is accurate and current. Don’t assume that the media are correct in what they report – use your own judgment to determine what’s going on in the market.
Read the company’s vision or mission statement – this will tell you how they see themselves and want others to see them.
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