Research Guides: Job Interview Preparation: Getting Started

Other Library Guides

Getting Started

This guide will help you research companies, industries, and markets in more depth. This will allow you to understand the market and industry within which a company is operating, as well as the current events relevant to and happening within the company itself. All of this is information that a) helps you to know you really are interested in a job with this particular company, and b) makes you appear more informed and knowledgeable in your interview.

Note: Some of the database interfaces have changed since this video was recorded. I am working to update videos, but in the meantime I would advise that all of the same data should be available and if you're having trouble navigating, please don't hesitate to email me. I am always happy to help.

Best Bet Databases

D&B Hoovers This link opens in a new window
This database provides a ton of functionality. You can explore your industry with national, or global industry overview reports. Or, you could build a list of companies within an industry of interest, within a particular geographic area, to prospect possible employers of interest. Or, you could dig into analysts' industry forecast reports.
Mergent Intellect This link opens in a new window
The Advanced Search feature allows you to search for companies by industry and then further refine by location (down to the zip code level), size (sales, employees), and more. First Research industry reports are a great overview and they're accessible directly from the homepage.
Factiva [Selected Articles in Full Text] This link opens in a new window
Under the Companies tab you can go to a company profile page that includes a customized search for all news related to that company. This is a great place to start. From here you can dig into competitor companies, deeper into industry news, etc. This will make you super up to date on industry and company happenings when you go in to interview.
IBISWorld Industry Reports This link opens in a new window
These reports are a good national overview of industries in the United States including industry performance and outlook, an overview of the competitive landscape, products and markets, top companies and operating conditions (important notes like pending regulations etc.). Great starting point for industry background information.
NetAdvantage This link opens in a new window
You can use the Screening tool on this database to develop a list of companies within your interest industry/location. You can even search by company description keywords, if your interest area is very specific.

Business Librarian

Ash Faulkner

she/her

Email Me

Contact:

Thompson Library 222C
1858 Neil Avenue Mall
Columbus, OH 43210

614-514-5935

Subjects: Economics