Knowing the company you plan to join should be an important part of your job search. It allows you to get a preview into the organisation and find out if you will fit in and enjoy your new job. It should give you information to answer the question- Do your goals match with those of the organisation? You do not want any unpleasant surprises once you have changed your job. You would also not welcome a move which turned out to be detrimental for your career. In order to reduce dissonance post a job-change, it is advisable then to research your prospective employer thoroughly. When and how should researching the prospective employers be done?

Research the prospective employer before applying for the job

At the outset you need to draw up a list of organisations that you would be interested in applying to, based on broad indicators like industry, product/services offered and your prior experience. This would, of course, be done keeping in mind your career goals.

Establish criteria and prioritise what is important for your job

This is what your detailed list of criteria could look like. You could divide the criteria into different categories

The company background

1.  The industry that the organisation is in
2.  The products/services that the company deals in
3.  When the company was set up
4.  Number of offices/branches in various cities
5.  Size of organisation-its turnover, employee strength

Performance of the company

1.  Its turnover and other financials-profits etc.
2.  Market share of its products/services-is it a leader?
3.  Growth prospects of the company
4.  Current and future expansion plans/objectives
5.  Its competitors
6.  Company reputation amongst customers/suppliers
7.  Company problems/needs

Human Resources

1.  Organisation structure
2.  Quality of personnel 
3.  Working environment
4.  Corporate culture/philosophy
5.  Company salary structure
6.  Increments pattern 
7.  Performance appraisal systems-is company a meritocracy?
8.  Management style 
9.  Importance of training programs 
10.  Any plans for re-structuring

About your prospective job

1. Job description/requirements
2. Match with your existing skills and education
3. Frequency of travel
4. Chances of transfers
5. Benefits package
6. Work hours likely
7. Job location- city/upcountry; urban/rural
8. Opportunities for promotions/advancements