Don't Just Apply to Jobs. Research the Employer.

Look beyond the vacancy

When you're looking for your first job, it's easy to focus entirely on the vacancy. What does it pay? What are the hours? Can I get the job?

But there's another question you should be asking: Do I actually want to work for this organisation?

Before applying, spend 10 or 15 minutes researching the employer. You might discover something that makes you more interested in the role. Or you might realise it's not the right opportunity for you.

Here are five things worth checking.

1. The website

Start with the company's website.

Find out what the organisation actually does, what products or services it offers, who its customers are, where it is based and what its team looks like.

You don't need to memorise everything. Just get a basic understanding of the organisation and what it does. It will also help if you get an interview. Being able to say 'I noticed that your company recently...' is much stronger than simply repeating what's written in the job advert.

2. LinkedIn

Look at the company's LinkedIn page and, where appropriate, the profiles of people who work there.

You might learn about recent projects, new hires, company achievements, events, partnerships and the types of roles people have progressed into.

It can also give you a better idea of the organisation's culture and what it's like to work there.

3. Reviews

Employee reviews can provide another perspective. Look at sites where current and former employees share their experiences, but remember that reviews are individual opinions.

One very positive review doesn't automatically mean it's a perfect workplace. One negative review doesn't necessarily mean it's a terrible one.

Instead, look for patterns. Are people consistently talking about good training? Do several reviews mention poor management? Do employees describe opportunities to progress? Use reviews as one source of information rather than treating them as the final verdict.

4. Company values

What does the organisation say it stands for? Look at its values, mission and approach to its work, and then ask yourself if these values actually matter to you.

You don't need to agree with every single thing a company says, but if you're going to spend a large part of your week working somewhere, it's worth understanding what the organisation believes is important. You can also look for evidence that the company actually puts those values into practice.

5. Recent news

Search for the organisation and see what's been happening recently. Has it launched something new, won an award, opened an office, announced a partnership, taken on new staff or had a major change in leadership?

Even five minutes of reading can give you useful context, and if you're invited to an interview, knowing what's happening in the organisation can help you ask much better questions.

Don't just research the job. Research the opportunity.

Remember, recruitment works both ways. The employer is deciding whether you're right for them, and you're deciding whether they're right for you.

So before you send off your application, take a few minutes to look beyond the job advert. Check the website, look at LinkedIn, read reviews, understand the company's values and see what's happening in the news.

You might find a reason to apply that you hadn't considered, or you might save yourself from applying for a job that isn't right for you.