Research Employers & Target Organizations
Identifying the kind of organization you would ideally like to work for is an
essential step in making your job search a success. As you begin researching
employers and potential job postings, consult your list of values and goals
from your self-assessment to help create your ideal job environment and
profile.
Consider these factors to ensure the employer you plan to target matches your
interests, values, skills, and overall goals: Size and type of organization:
e.g. local, national, international, non-profit, service-oriented, unionized,
etc.; Position characteristics: e.g. challenging, solitary, part of a team,
prestige, responsibility, variety of tasks, project-oriented work,
opportunity for advancement, etc; Geographic location; Type of supervision:
e.g. formal vs. causal supervisor, set own schedule, autonomous work duties,
etc; Working hours: e.g. regular, flexible, long, shift work, company
scheduled vacation, opportunity to work from home, etc; Salary and benefits:
e.g. financial security, health and dental insurance, pension plan, child
care, educational support, company car, etc; Travel; Work environment: e.g.
indoors, outdoors, fast-paced, dress code, etc.
Research the Industry
Researching your desired field is as important as knowing yourself and what
you have to offer. Before you research a specific organization, acquaint
yourself with the larger industry. You may wish to consult the literature of
professional organizations, business councils and other relevant websites to
find out about salary scales, working conditions and current market
trends.
Another excellent way to gather information on an industry is to conduct
informational interviews with individuals currently working in that sector.
Informational interviews provide you with a chance to informally ask
questions about the work and market conditions of a particular industry.
- Canada - Information by Industry Sector
- Québec - Sectors of Activity: Search by Industry
- USA - Career Guide to Industries - Search Tool
Research the Employer
Doing research on the organization is an important step to better know them and uncover how you will “fit” in. Most companies and organizations now offer a wealth of information on their websites and you are expected to consult them in depth. When researching, keep the following questions in mind:
- What are the major products or services provided by the organization?
- What are the organization’s goals and values?
- What is the history of the organization?
- What are the organization’s community interests and involvement?
- Who are the organization’s major competitors?
- How large is the organization? Where is it located?
- What is the staff turnover rate?
- What opportunities are there for advancement?
Research the Position
Researching the position for which you are applying can help you prepare your CV and anticipate the type of questions you may be asked in an interview. You should be able to communicate your interest in the job and its impact on your career goals. In preparation:
- Research the general tasks and responsibilities of the position
- Research other aspects of the job that will have an impact on your decision (travel, overtime, shift work, etc.)
- Research salary ranges and other benefits
Employer Directories
- Globe and Mail - Top Employers
- Québec - Search for businesses
- Eluta - Best Employers for Recent Graduates
Agricultural Sciences
Education Services
- Directory of Contacts in Canadian Education
- Education in Canada - Directory of Universities, Colleges and Schools in Canada
- CanLearn - Cegeps, Colleges & Universities search
- Répertoire - Private Schools in Quebec (French)
- Our Kids - Private Schools in Canada
- Inforoute FPT - Vocational and Technical Training in Quebec
Government & Public Administration
- Policy Experts - Organizations
- Policy.ca - Organizations
- Hillwatch.com - Think Tanks
- Public Relations Agencies
Health & Medical Sciences
- Santé et services sociaux Québec
- Santé Montréal Portal
- Canadian Society for International Health - International Health Organizations
- Johns Hopkins Center for Global Health - Global Health Organizations
Life Sciences
Fields: Pharma, BioPharma, CRO, Medical Devices, Food & Grocery, Renewable Energy, etc.
- Biopolis Quebéc - Life Science Search Engine
- Contact Canada - Life Science Search Engine
- Canadian Life Sciences Database
- Bioscienceworld Resource Guide
- Canada's Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies - Members
- Biomedical Association of Students for Excellence - Companies (USA)
Natural Resources & the Environment
- Eco Canada - Business Directory
- Répertoire de l'industrie environnementale du Quebéc (in French)
- Répertoire des groupes environnementaux du Québec (in French)
- Canadian Environmental Directory (VPN is required)
Media
- Media Job Search Canada - Magazine Publication
- Canadian Media Production Association - Production Industry Directory
- Mandy’s International Film & TV Production Directory
- Motion Picture, TV, and Theatre Directory (US)
- Playback Blue Pages - Companies in the Canadian film and television industry
- Production Hub – Production Directory for Broadcast TV, Film and Video
Mining
Non-Profit & Development Work
- Centraide of Great Montreal - Agency and Project Directory
- Work in NonProfits.ca - Supplier Directory
- Macommunaute.ca (in French)
- 211Toronto.ca - Directory
- The Global Journal - Top 100 Best NGOs in the world
Publishing
- Canada's Newspaper Industry - Directory
- Canadian Magazines - By Category
- Canadian Publishers - Membership Search Engine
- Canadian University Presses - Members
Science
Tree-Planting
Placement Agencies
Resources
