Just as future employers desire to learn about you, you as a job seeker need to understand and learn about the companies with whom you will interact during your job search.

If you are attending a networking session, take a moment to find out which companies will be represented. Then, go learn about them! What are their values? How have they developed over time? What recent initiatives have they launched? This will help you have more meaningful conversations during the networking session. If you have been invited for an interview, take time to research the company more in depth. This will enable you to have an informed conversation with your interviewers, ask specific and insightful questions, and help you understand whether the organization is a good fit for you.

Check out these links that provide more information about how to gather useful information about prospective employers.

• Linked In: How to research a company before your interview
• The Balance Careers: How to Research a Company for a Job Interview