Prior to interviewing with a company, you need to do some research.

One reason to find out more about the prospective employer is to determine if you want to work there. A job is not just a job. Another reason is to be able to respond appropriately in the interviewer when you are questioned.

Here are some things you should know. Consider each of the following questions carefully.

These questions are about the company itself:

1. What do you know about our organization?
2. Why do you want to work here?
3. Do you think you will fit in with our corporate culture?
4. What do you know about our products/services?

These questions are to help you decide if you want to work there:

1. Is the company a major competitor in its field?
2. Does it have a solid mission statement?
3. Do the company's financial statements reflect a good position?
4. How well is the company expected to perform in the future?

There are many places to do research to find out the answers to these and other important questions. One of the easiest, of course, is the internet. Many companies have their own websites, so you can glean a great deal of information there. Review news articles and PR websites for recent activity regarding the organization.

Another place that is often overlooked, but most likely has more information than any other source, is your local library. When you visit just ask the librarian to point you in the right direction. It may take a little more legwork, but the information is usually more abundant and better organized than any web search.

Some companies will be easier to research than others. Privately held firms are under no legal obligation to make their financial statements public. Any organization that has publicly traded stock must disclose certain pieces of financial information per the Securities and Exchange Commission, so you will find information readily available on them.

Another reason you might have some difficulty researching a company is if it is a subsidiary or division of a larger organization. Again, a librarian can help you ferret out the leads you need to follow to get the information you are looking for.

Research is important if you want to be prepared for the job search process. It isnt just about being prepared for the interview, though. You have to be certain you want to work for a particular company, too. So, dig. Find out what you need to know in order to make informed decisions.