Researching Potential Employers

Guest post by Zoya Mohan, Singer-Songwriter, Music Business Major, Class May 2014, Voice Principle, Guitarist

Researching potential employees can either be excruciatingly tough or, as Marci Cohen points out, we are lucky to have the Internet to aid our process. It may seem obvious, but it is smart to begin by executing a general search on your company of interest by browsing through the employers website. Start by studying their mission and history, while also finding out what they are doing now. Using social media sites like Twitter, you can also pick up on recent announcements and insights on what the company is like. LinkedIn is probably our most important asset when researching potential employers. Begin by finding out if they have a company profile and, if they do, see if any Berklee Alumni work there. Using LinkedIn we have the power to message them right away. Don’t be afraid to ask how their job is or what their daily activities are like. These are great starts to finding out if you would fit with your prospective company.

So now, how do you impress the company you wish to work for? Marci suggests that we should be able to answer, “What are THEY proud of?” Utilize their key words in describing yourself in your cover letter, resume, or even at the interview! If you are only running into dead ends on the Internet when you research through your company’s web page, LinkedIn, or other social media sites, you can also access loads of information in the Stan Getz Library databases. To look up companies you can access the library's databases in e-resources, click "Search Articles & More," check the music business category, and simply type in the company’s name. Once you find the company you are looking for you will find an excess amount of information in the company’s profile, SWOT analysis and more. Searching for the right employer is extremely tough, but with some simple research and if you take advantage of these tools you will be on your way!


This workshop was part of the Prepare for Career Jam series. Career Jam! Shape Your Music Future is Saturday, March 29, 2014, 12:00 - 5:00 p.m. and is open to all Berklee students and alumni. Click here to learn more and register.