Researching Employers

Make use of directories and databases to identify suitable employers and then search their websites for information on recruitment.

Databases with information on graduate employers can be found on the first 2 websites and are useful if you want to work for large, mainly (but not exclusively) private sector employers. Other information sources may be more appropriate if you are interested in working in the public or voluntary sectors.

Large mainly (but not exclusively) private sector employers Prospects Target Careers

Public and voluntary sectors Public and voluntary sector Jobs go public Directgov

Employer information

Make use of the Employment section of Information resources which lists specialist and local company directories. You can also find alternative views on an employer's recent history and performance.

Occupations

This section of Information resources links to the websites of professional bodies which hold details of employer members. This is a useful way to research smaller and medium sized employers, which may not appear on databases of graduate recruiters.

myInternational Career | Graduate Jobs in Europe

Research international opportunities, including employment, further study, work experience and voluntary work.

Options talks and DVDs

We have talks and dvds to help you research careers and consider working for small and medium sized organisations.

Preparation

Before making an application you will need to know some basic facts about the employer to which you are applying. If you manage to secure an interview you will find it is an advantage to have a more in-depth knowledge of the employer's:

• structure
• recent history
• range of products/services

You are likely to impress even more if you can demonstrate a wider knowledge of the environment in which the employer and any competitors have to operate. Try using search engines to find information on a particular employer.

• Google
• Bing

What's On Diary - meeting employers

The Careers Service organises a number of events which give you the opportunity to meet employers in an informal setting. These include Employer Presentations, Applications Workshops, One-to-Ones (informal interviews), Mock Interviews, Occupational Panel Evenings, Fairs and 'Skills for Success' sessions.