• the organization's product or service;
• the size of the organization;
• where its headquarters and major offices are;
• the names and titles of its top officers;
• its growth potential;
• its major competitors;
• career paths available in the organization;
• what the organizational culture is like;
• what its mission statement says about its philosophy and values; and
• recent developments in the organization or profession.

How do you begin learning about an organization? There are several sources of information, all of which you should explore.

• The Career and Experiential Learning Lab, Lucina Hall 235
• Internet resources including the organization's Web site
• Business, industry, and organization directories
• Annual reports and other company or organization literature
• Computer databases, periodicals, and newspapers
• Trade journals and professional associations
• Networking with faculty, friends, colleagues
• Informational interviewing and job shadowing
• Employees and former employees of the organization

It is a good idea to call the employer before the interview to

• Confirm the date and time of the interview
• Get directions to the office if your interview is on site
• Confirm travel arrangements and reimbursement if applicable
• Obtain the correct pronunciation and spelling of your interviewer's name (for later follow-up).
• Confirm what additional materials the employer may require (e.g., transcripts, portfolio, reference names, etc.)