Be Prepared: Do Your Research

An employment relationship should never be entered into blindly by either party.  Whether you are a job seeker or employer, it always pays to be prepared.  Do your research before hiring, accepting a job offer, negotiating a salary, or making any life-changing business decision, and avoid buyer’s remorse.

Research for job seekers:

Companies

Do you want to know how a prospective employer stacks up in the eyes of its employees? Check out sites like Glassdoor.com for informative employee reviews.  Interested in the economic health of your future company?  Use sites such as Yahoo! Finance to investigate their stock quote chart, CEO statements, and recent financial filings.

Salaries

Salary negotiation can be one of the most awkward parts of any job interview, or a very simple matter.  The key factor is you, the job seeker:  Have you done your research?  Do you know what others in your industry/position earn?  Find out, before you walk into the interview.  Read More.

Job Descriptions and Career Profiles

“What do you do?” It’s one of the most common questions we ask each other. Have you ever listened to a friend talk about her job and wondered what, exactly, her title means? If you’re in school, I’m sure you hear a great deal about the importance of having the right skills and education for your chosen field, but how do you even know what’s required?  Relying on your college or vocational training program may not be enough.  Find out more with Careers.Org’s extensive directory of occupational profiles.

Employment Law and Worker’s Rights

Know your rights.  If you believe you have been discriminated against, denied overtime or other wage and hour protections, are subject to an unsafe workplace, or face other employment-related legal issues, carefully research your rights and protections and consult the labor department of your city or state.  You may be entitled to free legal consultation.

Informational Interviews

Do you want to learn more about your chosen career, without the stress of the job search process?  What Color is Your Parachute? author Dick Bolles recommends scheduling “informational interviews”—information-gathering sessions with successful professionals in your field of interest.

Research for Employers:

Employment Laws

In the United States, employers are subject to a complex canopy of federal, state, and municipal laws.  Although workplace laws may seem overwhelming, most address three basic employer obligations:  nondiscrimination, maintaining a safe workplace, and respecting basic worker rights.  Read more.

Background Checks

Protect yourself and your employees by carefully pre-screening job applicants.  Employers may pre-screen applicants on a number of bases, including credit, criminal history, and in some limited circumstances, medical background.  Visit business.gov for more information on permitted pre-employment background checks.