A friend has informed you that there is a job opening in his office. Youre intrigued, especially since it seems as if it is time to move on from your current job. You immediately begin the process of applying for the position, drafting your cover letter and fine-tuning your resume.

However, youre forgetting a very important point. Before you do anything else, you should research the company you are hoping to work for.

At first, you might wonder why such research is necessary. After all, research is time-consuming and can be difficult at times. Also, if you are planning to apply to more than one company, you may think you simply dont have the time to do any research.

The fact is, you cannot afford not to research prospective employers. Such research can help you to write more effective cover letters. It can also prepare you well for your initial interview, as well as any follow-up interviews you might have. And it can certainly help you to feel more at home if in fact you secure the position youre seeking. Here are a few critical questions that should help guide your research. What is the companys corporate culture? Is it relaxed and laid-back, or more formal? What is the companys mission? Has the company been profitable in recent years? How is the company regarded in the community?

You can find the answers to these questions through personal contacts, newspaper articles, and local magazine articles. If you can get a hold of a company newsletter, that can also help to improve your understanding of the company. Remember, the more information you have, the more you are likely to impress your prospective employerand the more likely you will be to secure the position youre seeking.