How to check a potential employer?

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pstar008

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Ultimate Geek

#36510 26-Jun-2009 14:27

Hi, as a fresh graduate from CS, I am looking for job now. But aside from their web site, how could I have a quick
check on my protential employer, say even before I sent my cover lette and CV? Is there some government website
or something I could go for a fast fact check?

Or should I just sent them anyway and see how interview goes, cause I don't even got a interview yet?

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#228549 26-Jun-2009 14:28

What do you want to check?

pstar008

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Ultimate Geek

#228550 26-Jun-2009 14:35

pstar008

362 posts

Ultimate Geek

#228554 26-Jun-2009 14:44

I will remove it if it makes me look un-professional.

xpd

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#228557 26-Jun-2009 15:10

What exactly are you trying to find out about them ? their work ethics ? Financial history ?

Gavin / xpd / FastRaccoon / Geek of Coastguard New Zealand

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pstar008

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Ultimate Geek

#228564 26-Jun-2009 15:21

No, I image sort of the looks and the overall environment.
The feeling of I know what's working there looks like.
I realize it sounds like an interview of employer.

bcourtney

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#228568 26-Jun-2009 15:28

In the current employment environment, if you're offered a job then you should take it! You don't have the luxury of picking and choosing, especially as a recent graduate.

pstar008

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Ultimate Geek

#228569 26-Jun-2009 15:28

At least I can know the size of the company, maybe?

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pstar008

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Ultimate Geek

#228570 26-Jun-2009 15:30

Sorry, missed Bcourtney's post.

Agree, I will spend time polish and sent my CV.

Thanks for the advice.

bcourtney

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Ultimate Geek

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#228575 26-Jun-2009 15:39

Good luck :) Remember to ask these sorts of questions of prospective employers if you get to the interview stage. Just because you get called in for an interview doesn't mean you're locked in to a job yet! Even if they offer you a job and you're not comfortable with the employment conditions you are not required to accept the position

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#228576 26-Jun-2009 15:42

Showing a good interest in the company at an interview isnt a bad thing anyway, shows youre keen to know who you are potentially working for :)

Gavin / xpd / FastRaccoon / Geek of Coastguard New Zealand

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pstar008

362 posts

Ultimate Geek

#228588 26-Jun-2009 16:13

Thank you guys, I will make sure prepare some questions for the interviewer.

And for Bcourtney, sure as newbie as me, I still know that if in case I got more than one offers, I can pick one
I am more happy with, and as kindly as I can decline others.

redjet

299 posts

Ultimate Geek

#228610 26-Jun-2009 17:21

You can look up who owns the company and who the directors are at the NZ companies office:
http://www.companies.govt.nz

Once you know who the owners/director names you could then Google their names or possibly try and look them up on LinkedIn or Facebook.

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pstar008

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Ultimate Geek

#228659 26-Jun-2009 19:39

Thanks, that is what I initially looked for.

Shrek3

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#229012 28-Jun-2009 20:07

I would look for good money and good working environment from a company. Rest I wouldn't care how big or how they operate!!

Marmion

59 posts

Master Geek

#229317 29-Jun-2009 19:43

-Browse websites of potential employers.
-Personalise your CV and cover letter to each individual employer/position.
-Get your CV and cover letter checked by someone like a careers councilor (your university should offer this service).
-Search for any relevant news articles where the employer is mentioned.
-In the interview(s), show knowledge and interest in your employer, but don't go overboard. Be confident, assertive, but deifinately not 'cocky' or arrogant.
-An interview is as much an opportunity for you to learn about your employer and their work environment as much as it is for them to assess your confidence, competance, characteristics and suitability for the role.

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