Careers for Graduates: Research Tips

When you're heading to interviews for graduate careers, it's absolutely essential to do your research.

You can find out plenty about a company simply by checking out their website, or by doing an internet search for any press coverage they have had.

Here are a few key things to try to find out:

• How long have they been in business? Has the company changed its name or structure in this time?
• How many employees do they have?
• Are they Australia-wide? How many offices? Where?
• Who is the current CEO?
• What state is the company in? Is it growing? Has it been through a tough time?
• What's the company's mission statement? What goals does it have?
• What products and services do they offer?
• How is the brand perceived in the community? Has it been associated with any controversy?

It's also worth asking friends and family if they know anything about the company. They may have seen something on the news, or remember something from the past. If so, check your facts before bringing it up in the interview.

Plus, it's worth paying close attention to current affairs in the week leading up to your interview – especially those that relate to the industry you're going to be interviewing. For instance, if you're going for a job at a law firm, it would be worth paying special attention to any noteworthy cases that have been gaining publicity recently.