Employers

Most major employers have their own web sites. The type and depth of information varies, but you will usually find details of their products or services, essential background information, annual report and contact details. More and more employers are using the Internet for recruitment as well - not just by putting their recruitment brochures and vacancies online but also providing the facility to apply online and transmit your CV or application form electronically.

You can often guess the address of a company. As you will see from our examples, most addresses are something like www.companyname.co.uk or www.companyname.com.

From the Assignment Section you should already have a good idea of what you need to find out about employers. But if you are stuck, here are some extra suggestions.

• Products and services (is it predominantly a manufacturing or services organisation, or a mixture of both?)
• Location(s): where are its headquarters and branches? Is it in the private, public or charitable sector?
• Philosophy and purpose, e.g. profit/non-profit corporate culture, funding source, clientele, functions and activities
• Number of employees (break this down by location if appropriate)
• Management structure/management style
• Ownership e.g. if you join a family-owned business, consider the impact on your potential for career development
• Recruitment and promotion policy/evidence of 'equal opportunities'
• Involvement of subordinates in the decision-making process
• Use of technology, amount and type of equipment and facilities
• Annual sales for the past year(s) compared to industry trends and to major competitors
• Recent trends and potential future growth for the employer and the industry.