While seeking a job there are various terms that you might hear. For instance, prospective employer, potential employer, and current employer. Hence it’s crucial to familiarise yourself with such terms that the employer might use.
A prospective employer is an entity to whom you have applied for a job. Job applications can made either through online or offline mode. You could end up working with this potential employer in future.
In this article, we shall educate the readers about what is a prospective employer. We shall also cover other topics attached to it along with a few tips and tricks to impress your prospective employer.
1. Prospective Employer- Meaning
A prospective employer can either be a person or an entity that will be giving you gainful employment. This company or person is someone to whom you have shown a desire to work with. For instance, you have successfully sent out the job application. It shows your interest in the employment opportunity made available by the aforesaid person or company.
A prospective employer is the one who shall become your current employer if you fulfill the criteria laid down. Furthermore, potential employers are the ones who help you in attaining your career goals. A prospective employer is also referred to as a potential employer.
1.1. Definition of Prospective Employer
Prospective employer means any employer to which a prospective employee has made an application, either oral or written, or forwarded a resume or other correspondence expressing an interest in employment.
Let us understand this definition in depth:
A prospective employer is not just the company to whom you have applied for employment opportunity. But, it also includes all the people associated with this company who have an ownership interest in the company.
There are a few criteria that a responsible prospective employer should fulfill, which are as follows:
- In case a prospective employer is a corporate entity- It should be registered or formed per the law of the land or hold approximately more than 50% of the ownership in the company.
- If a prospective employer is a person- He/ she should have citizenship of the country.
In short, a prospective employer must meet the national requirements.
1.2. Illustration
- When you see any opening position in a company, this organization is an illustration of a prospective employer.
- In case you are in talking terms with a company or an individual who is promising you a position, this is a prospective employer.
- When you submit an online form on the company website to get a job, this becomes your prospective employer.
- Until you have an offer letter in your hand, everything before that is considered having a conversation with a prospective employer. Once you are hired this prospective employer becomes your current paid employer.
2. Ways to Acquire Information About Prospective Employers
It is imperative to get an insight into the Company before applying for the job. Having a detailed idea about the company’s culture, values, and environment of an organization plays a pivotal role in deciding whether you will sustain or not.
Additionally, a potential employer will always be impressed with a well-aware and educated prospective candidate. Here are several methods for finding out information about a company:
2.1. Company’s Website
When seeking employment the first thing a person should go through is the company’s website. A company’s website is an official website wherein all the information is accurate and correct hence no need to verify the same from any other website. Furthermore, on the company’s website, you will find the most authentic piece of information.
Also, company websites have their annual report through which you can determine the value of the company along with other financial information. You can also compare these annual reports to get an idea about the progress the company has made over the years.
2.2. Company’s Blog
Company blogs will give you a present happenings of the company. While a website is static which does change frequently, blogs are more dynamic and keep updating regularly. Blogs are a way to keep customers engaged and informed. An organization doesn’t necessarily have one single blog. They might have several blogs to entertain a wide range of customers.
A potential employee should go through prospective employer blogs to educate himself about the current affairs of the organization. A well-informed person is always preferred and appreciated by prospective employers.
2.3. Social Media Accounts
In today’s social media generation, almost everyone whether an individual or an entity, has a presence on at least one of the social media platforms. Some of the famous social media sites are Facebook, Reddit, Twitter, Instagram etc. You can get the link to the social media account on the company website.
Also, you get a larger picture of the organization through these social media accounts. Additionally, you can also get information about the charitable activities carried out by the organization.
Similarly, you can read the comments on the posts of the company to see the reactions of the company. Also, how the company reacts to the negative as well as positive outputs poured by the consumers.
This way you can make out how positive or negative approach the organization has towards any appraisal or criticism. Also, it would be advisable to turn on the notification to receive the latest updates about the entity.
2.4. LinkedIn Profile
This social media is a great business and employment-oriented platform. This platform is mainly used to enhance your professional network. It also aids career development in several ways. Almost all the companies have their profile on LinkedIn wherein they post their requirements.
A potential employer should also create an account on this platform. It’s a great way to increase professional connections and socialize with like-minded people.
2.5. Career Websites
Various websites act like a middle agent. The primary goal of these career websites is to connect prospective employers with the prospective employee. A few examples are Indeed, Naukari, Monster, and Career Builder.
Potential employees can find information and job advertisements on these career websites. A prospective employer usually post their job openings and requirements on these sites.
There is other valuable information provided about prospective employers as well which are beneficial for a better understanding of the job and organization as a whole. You should explore these sites to find relevant jobs.
2.6. Other Websites
Various websites provide existing employee’s views on an organization. The reviews include the work culture of the company, extended shifts, office policies and politics. In short, it gives an insight into how the organization treats its employees and how are the working conditions.
Hence you should go through these websites before you decide to apply to a prospective employer. This will assist you in becoming informed about the circumstances at work. A few such sites are Glassdoor, Career Bliss, Vault and Kununu.
2.7. Identify Company’s Competitors
You must identify and understand who are the competitors of prospective employers. You will be able to comprehend the market and industry-related information associated with potential employers as a result. Additionally, you will be able to capture the business position of prospective employers on market trends.
This research might prove to be beneficial in your verbal interview round as you are aware of the market position, competitors, existing value, aspirations, and other facts w.r.t. prospective employer.
4. Perks of Researching About Prospective Employers
The time you spend on acquiring knowledge about prospective employers will never go in vain. A well-informed, self-educated and dedicated potential employee is always favoured by a prospective employer.
The following are the advantages of researching prospective employers:
4.1. First Impression is the Last Impression
When you acquire maximum information about the prospective employer, it shows your dedication and fondness in getting associated with the prospective employer. When you are well-aware and well-read, it leaves a positive influence on potential employers.
4.2. Enhances Your Marketability
When you do your research about prospective employers it demonstrates how serious you are for the job position. It leaves a favourable impression in front of potential employers. Additionally, you may even learn about the business operations and hiring criteria, which will help you appear more knowledgeable. All these aspects will increase your marketability.
4.3. Prepares You for Interview
When you apply for a job you are expected to obtain at least basic knowledge about the role you are applying for and the organization to which you apply. Researching will help you in preparing for basic interview questions.
Furthermore, you can also draft your resume that will describe your potential following the job requirements.
4.4. Can Make Informed Decisions
When you do your share of research you can answer these basic aspects:
- Salary Aspect: You can determine the salary being offered and the scope of negotiation.
- Work Culture Aspect: You can understand the working culture and atmosphere of the prospective employers and whether it suits you and your personality.
- Career Growth Aspect: When proper research is done you will be in a better position to understand how much growth can you expect in the coming years.
4.5. Creates Awareness About the Company its Culture/ Vision/ Values
A well-researched applicant will not be shocked when being introduced to the culture of a prospective employer. Researching creates awareness regarding the culture, values, and vision that the prospective employer has and what their expectations are from their potential employee.
Additionally, even the potential employee gets an idea of whether his mindset is in parallel to the values of the potential employee or not.
For instance, if you are concerned about the environment, you can research whether your prospective employer is working in a direction to reduce pollution and other environmental hazards or not.
5. Tips to Win Over Potential Employers
5.1. Present Yourself in a Profesional Manner
When you enter a corporate world it very essential that you professionally present yourself. Having professionalism in work and body language goes a long way. This also includes dressing and acting professionally. And also remember to never criticize your past working experience with the company.
5.2. Be Well Informed About the Role You Are Seeking and Company
A well-informed person always has an extra point in his cart when seeking for job opportunity. A well-researched person demonstrates his dedication and desire to work with the prospective employer.
5.3. Body Language
This is the first thing the prospective employer notices as soon as you enter the room. Your body language reflects your personality. Hence, you should have a great posture that will demonstrate confidence. Avoid being clumsy and overnervous.
5.4. Arrive Before Time
Arriving before or on time for an interview will show your time management skills and punctuality. Both of these factors are a part of pre-employment testing.
5.5. Be Confident
There is a fine line between being self-assured and being prideful. Make sure to demonstrate yourself as a confident person and not arrogant. A confident person is preferred over a haughty person.
5.6. Follow Up Post Interview
Sending a thank you message or mail will show your professional mannerisms. Also, getting in touch on professional social media platform post-interview is a great way to keep in contact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There Any Difference Between Prospective Employer and Employer?
Yes. A Prospective employer is someone with whom you are considering to work with. It can either be a single person or a whole organization. This entity shall remain a prospective employer even if you are not applying or about to sign the final contract.
Once you get associated with this perspective employer through employment, he becomes an employer as now you are working with him.
What Are the Qualities That a Prospective Employer Look Out For?
A prospective employer looks for a variety of attributes. These qualities are based and given weightage according to the job position you seek to acquire. Some general qualities are as follows:
- Critical and Problem-solving skills
- Teamwork and Cooperation
- Professional Conduct and Work Ethics
- Communication skills
- Leadership Qualities
What is Pre-Employment Testing?
Pre-employment testing is a standardized way of accessing the potential employee. Many employers believe in pre-employment testing. It helps in understanding the candidate’s credentials, qualifications, abilities and appropriateness for the job.
It can include testing your emotional stability, job knowledge and critical thinking. Additionally, it enables you to understand whether you meet your prospective employer’s expectations or not.
There might be instances where you will be asked to finish a full project within the time limit before a hiring decision is made.
Who are Prospective Candidates/ Prospective Employees?
A prospective candidate is an individual who meets all the criteria laid down by an organization for a job position. Please note he might or might not end up landing the position.
Bottom Line
To summarize what is a prospective employer– it is an entity with whom you might collaborate in the future to attain your career goals.
It’s of immense importance that you impress your prospective employer in the first meeting itself. As was already discussed above, there are several ways to find out specifics about prospective employers in advance. Doing so will get you the upper hand.
I hope this article helps you accomplish your goals and make a good impression on a possible job. Lastly, always remember to review, research, note, and investigate before applying to a prospective employer.
