Being competitive in today's job market requires that you research employers carefully to relate your application to the employer's needs and demonstrate a strong interest in the employer. Just as employers will be using Google to find any information you have posted on-line, you too can utilize Google to find their website and any news articles. Company websites frequently have valuable information about job openings and how to apply for them. Additionally, company website may have annual reports, history, mission statements, future projects, products, information about their customers, and contact names for your cover letter/resume.

Don't limit your research to the Internet. Visit your local library and look up annual reports, company contact names, and trade literature. Other good sources to evaluate employers include the Better Business Bureau and local chamber of commerce.

If you are just starting out with your job search, you may be trying to find a list of employers in your area to research. One way is to drive or walk around the area you live in and make a list of employer you see. You can refine your employer list if you know which industries use people in your career field. If you are unsure of which industries to focus on, try going to laser.state.nm.us and click on Occupation and then Occupational Employment by Industry. Enter your search criteria, including area and occupation desired, for a list of industries that hire a specific occupation. The yellow pages are another good source for a grouped list of employers. Also, there are several business directories in the public library such as Dun & Bradstreet's Million Dollar Directory, Standard and Poor's Register of Corporations, and Ward's Business Directory.