Call that research? You may know that Marks & Spencer sells knickers, but do you know its position on ethical matters, maternity leave or graduate training? You are going to spend 48 hours a week at work, maybe more if the firm opts out of the Working Time Directive, so get to know them better than your oldest socks.

Company websites. Interviewers love to foil you with: “Didn’t you read about it on our website?” Don’t let them. “Familiarise yourself with mission statements, past performance, future goals and analyst ratings,” says the recruitment agency M C Partners (www.mcpartners.co.uk). “You may seriously compromise your chances if it becomes apparent you have not taken time to research.”

Insider information. Nothing beats the smell of the shop floor. If you can’t get work experience or internships you could get a job as a security guard. A less extreme option is to call them. “Often heads of departments are willing to meet for a coffee and chat,” says Jane Peters, of the not-for-profit sector recruitment company The Principle Partnership (www.tpp.co.uk).

Badger people. Alumni networks are increasingly putting graduates in touch with their predecessors. Professional institutions are also worth contacting. Ask to attend a meeting to meet people working in the field and get to know the issues that concern them. Search newspaper websites and blogs for titbits of information.

Careers fairs. Try out some Derren Brown-style mind-reading of corporate representatives. “Many employers use online application forms that are inflexible — careers fairs give you the chance to ask specific questions,” says Liz Hagger, of Graduate Prospects (www.prospects.ac.uk).

Ethical issues. Many companies produce social responsibility reports, but you can try Corporate Watch (www.corporatewatch.org.uk), which notes the environmental impact of large corporations, or Business in the Community (www.bitc.org.uk), which runs a corporate responsibility index.

JOHN PLUMMER

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