2025 HBCU Careers Magazine

HBCU Careers Magazine

Work-Life Balance & Flexibility • What do employee reviews say about work hours and stress levels? • Does the company offer remote work options, flexible schedules, or good PTO policies? • Are you comfortable with the expected workload? Compensation & Benefits • Is the salary competitive for your industry and level of work experience? • What are the benefits (healthcare, retirement plans, bonuses, stock options, etc.)? • Do they offer benefits like wellness programs, tuition reimbursement, or employee discounts? Company Stability & Growth • Is the company financially stable and growing? • Have they had any recent layoffs or restructuring? • Are they investing in innovation and expansion? Compare your findings with your career priorities and weigh the pros and cons of working for the company. Questions to Ask Yourself Ask yourself the following questions BEFORE you respond to a job posting or go on an interview. Your answers will let you know if you have done the right amount of research and taken the steps to prepare yourself for the application and interview process. • Do my resume and cover letter reflect that I am a good match for the position for which I am applying? • Am I prepared to answer general questions about the employer and the position that may be asked of me during an interview? • What makes me “stand out” over other candidates that are applying for the same position? REMEMBER – it’s your job to show an employer why you are the right candidate for a position – not the employer’s job to figure out how you fit within their organization. Researching the employer can help you figure out how your skills, attributes and strengths can be an asset to the employer.

If you are applying to an online job posting, don’t just submit your resume blindly. Do a bit of investigating first. In most cases an employer will include an in-depth position description along with the qualifications they are seeking. Study this information carefully. Find out what the employer is looking for. Compare your qualifications, skills, and attributes against the position description. Do you see any matches? If so, be sure to communicate them in your resume and cover letter.

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