Most people show up at an interview with less preparation and planning than they would have done for a movie, the movie or even not as much research as they would do before a date. Think of it – the time you are going to invest in that new job, Think of the time wasted sitting around for rejection calls or letters. If you prepare for that job interview you will stand out as that one in thousand or even one in a million of job employment career candidates.

The question is how to best prepare a research or investigative project on the future employer and their employees without being too intrusive and aggressive. The point is to get hired or decide the firm is really not for you not for you to antagonize people so that your chances of being hired are greater and not to cause trouble and bad relationships with your future coworkers. Obviously the whole point of the exercise is to help you gain employment not hinder it.

To begin with make an appointment for a “survey meeting”. Contact at least organizations that employ people in your employment and career field of choice. If this proves not possible in person then use the telephone. Failing that fax and computer email can be utilized.

Ask to speak with someone whose job is similar to your job employment target. Emphasize that you are carrying out an assignment from your instructor or doing simple research. Further explain that you want to learn about your occupational field as part of your career planning research. Is this not all true?

It is best not to say that you are looking for a job. Human nature, generally, is to solve problems. You are more than likely to obtain help with your career planning research than directly in job hunting or getting employment. People can often be possessive of their job, their employment community and their turf, so to speak, and may react instinctively to hold down the fort.

Make the appointment in person if at all possible. You are likely to glean important job related information, gather additional useful small details, perhaps be able to judge the power structure in the firm, and often make very useful and important contacts.

Many job candidates never realize that that “battle axe” of a receptionist may be the major screener of employees- marking down or relaying important first impressions.

Indeed this person may hold the actual keys to the kingdom so to speak – whether or not you even get a job application form or that interview down the way. After all in whose desk are the application forms, who answers the phone and who sets up the bosses itinerary and calendar?

Be clean neat and properly dressed if you able to make the appointment yourself in person. Always introduce yourself. State your purpose – that is you are conducting a research project. Request an appointment to ask a few questions and queries about the person's job and occupational field. Ensure that you confirm the date and time. It is even possible that Mr. X. is free at that very moment or shortly. Lastly always thank the person for their time, assistance and their sharing of their expertise.

Few job candidates will in your position of job research. You will both be much better prepared for that job interview and demonstrate to the interviewer and company your skills , your communication abilities and that you would be a well advised choice for employment. If the interviewer does take exception at your research skills, your thoroughness and attention to your detail and is either insulted or defensive then you have done yourself a greater service. Better now than later to find out the real nature of the employer.