How bad do you want it? Enough to do some homework?

When you find a job opportunity that you really like you need to make every effort you can to land it. The most important thing that you can do is research the company. By knowing more about the company you will be able to make yourself stand out from the crowd.

The information that you should be looking for includes:

• Company history
• Shareholders
• Recent mergers
• Company size
• Key people
• Type of products
• Who their
• Mission statement

The following are some great pointers you can use to make researching any company easier.

• Note that it is easier to find out information on public companies as opposed to private companies. Public companies, by law, have to make certain information freely available.
• If you are looking for data on a subsidiary of a company start by researching the main company first. You should then find a listing of the branches or subsidiaries of that company.
• Look for the information on the company’s website. This information is usually more up to date than information listed in a business directory.
• Use resources such as Google Places to locate the company and be directed to more information on them. Even a general internet search on the company name should bring up relevant information.
• Login to your LinkedIn account and see if anyone you know is connected to the company. If so, this can be a great way to get a formal introduction before your interview.
• Look for any recent press releases the company may have issued. You could then bring up this information during your interview. It will show that you have done your homework!
• When researching a private company it may be more difficult to find information about them. You can try relevant business directories in your area. Use resources from local businesses to see if they are connected with this company in any way.

If you are serious about a particular job then it is worth the time and effort to find out what you can about this company. Showing an interviewer that you have spent time researching shows them that you are a serious candidate.

Another idea is to use Google Alerts for the company. This will provide you with any last minute happenings and provide you with valuable news just before your interview.

Employment Tests for Job Seekers

Tests have become a fact of life! If you have applied for a job recently you will have noticed that you now have to complete a test either online or a written test. This is becoming a more common place thing so knowing what to expect from these tests is important.

There are several different tests which you may encounter during your job search. We will briefly cover each of these below.

Personality Test

This type of test helps determine your personality type and your suitability to the job in question. They can vary in length from a brief written test to a much longer test which resembles a psychological exam.

A personality test covers the following areas:

o Emotional stability
o Extroversion
o Conscientiousness
o Agreeableness
o Openness

Skill Test
Almost 65% of employers are now using some form of skill test in their pre-employment screening process. A skill test can be something as quick and easy as a typing test. They can also be long tests which measure your ability to construct simple ideas into a process.

A skill test could be writing a marketing plan or writing a sales letter. If lifting is part of the job you could be asked to lift and move items to make sure you have the physical ability to perform the job.

Aptitude Test
This type of test is either a written or oral test or a combination of both. An aptitude test determines your ability to do a certain job once trained for the job. A skill test evaluates your current skill level.

During an aptitude test you will be given questions which include numerical problems, reasoning problems and your written skills will be tested. Aptitude tests can be of a general nature of can be very specific, directed at one certain area.

Integrity Test
This type of test allows the potential employer to see how you would react to a certain instance. For example theft or a security issue within the company. You will be given questions designed around the company’s policy. This would include email and internet abuse, reporting a co-worker for stealing and the misuse of resources.

An integrity test shows how honest you are and what type of ethics you believe in. They give the employer a good overview of what type of employee you would be.

There is also the possibility of you being asked to take a drug test before being offered a job. This is becoming more commonplace in more and more businesses.

Marenda (Posts)

Living Life Abundantly Motivator Blogger Entrepreneur Extraordinaire! Living Life Abundantly is a life style choice of personal development, self improvement, and inspired action. I created this blog with the intention of entertaining, educating, and empowering those ready for change.