4 Steps to Researching Companies Before Writing Your Executive Resume

Jessica Holbrook Hernandez of Great Resumes Fast

The process of writing an executive resume seems as though it should be a simple one: your stellar professional background speaks for itself, right? Actually, this is not always the case. Because you are competing against a lot of other candidates with equally stellar backgrounds, it’s important that you work harder to make your resume stand out from the rest of the pack.

Researching companies is a great way to show representatives that you have a solid understanding of the company and what it stands for. So what are the steps you can take in order to conduct thorough research? Here are four to consider:

1. Visit Company Websites

The first step in acquiring pertinent information about a company is to visit its website. Most businesses have learned that they must have an online presence, whether it’s via their own website or a social networking profile on Twitter or Facebook.

On a company’s website or profile, you can learn about its mission and history and possibly gain access to press releases or quarterly reports that provide even more insight into what role you might have if you’re hired for the position you want.

2. Request HR Materials

Another option to consider is contacting the company outright to ask for information from the human resources department. When major companies visit trade shows or take other steps to brand themselves, they often create informational materials. You may be able to gain access to some of this information to help you gain a better understanding of what these companies stand for and how you can make a difference.

3. Locate News Articles

As an executive job seeker looking for ways to educate yourself about companies you’re applying to, another important step to take is to locate news articles that may have been reported about the companies. By locating these news articles written by third parties—rather than press releases issued by the companies—you get an unbiased look at issues they may be facing that can help you choose the problem-solving experience you have.

4. Sign Up for Google Alerts

If you have been looking at companies you think you might want to apply to, then consider signing up for Google Alerts to have news stories e-mailed to you. This may not work as well if you’re aware of an open position and want to apply immediately, but if you’re conducting more of a passive search, this is a great way to keep up with company issues.

After you’ve taken the above steps to research the companies, you can take note of key information such as the company’s mission, organizational dynamics, and corporate issues that need to be solved. These details can work wonders in helping you add career history that aligns directly with company goals.

Author: Jessica Hernandez, expert resume writer, is a nationally-recognized resume authority and former HR Manager who has achieved over a 99% success rate securing interviews with prestigious organizations through exclusive, personal branding strategies.

 Article courtesy of the Recruiting Blogswap, a content exchange service sponsored by CollegeRecruiter.com, a leading site for college students looking for internships and recent graduates searching for entry level jobs and other career opportunities.