How to Research a Job or Company Before You Apply

Applying for a new job is a big decision, and while cold contacting a hiring manager might seem like a smart move, it’s often a risky strategy. Many hiring managers are inundated with messages and don’t want to appear to favor a candidate. In some cases, reaching out can work, but in others, it might actually jeopardise your application.

So, how do you find out the real story about a company, its culture, and whether the job is right for you—without hurting your chances? Here are some smart ways to gather insider knowledge before you apply.

1️⃣ Leverage LinkedIn for Insider Intel

🔍 Search for employees at the company and look for mutual connections. If you find someone, politely reach out and ask if they’d be open to a quick, informal chat.

✅ What to ask:

Company culture – What's the work environment like?
Remote/flexible working policies – Is home working encouraged or frowned upon?
Salary expectations – While some won’t disclose their salary, they may hint at general pay bands.

❗ If you don’t have any mutual connections, ask someone in your network if they know anyone at the company who might be willing to chat.

2️⃣ Work with a Career Coach in Pharma/Biotech

A career coach who specializes in pharma or biotech often has a wide industry network and can provide inside knowledge about companies, hiring trends, and salary benchmarks.

💡 They can also help you position yourself better for roles, refine your application, and navigate industry expectations.

3️⃣ Use Online Platforms for Anonymous Insights

🖥️ Run a search on:

Glassdoor – Look at employee reviews, salaries, and interview experiences.
Reddit – Some industry-specific subreddits can give you real talk on company culture and hiring trends.

⚠️ Keep in mind:

🔸 Negative experiences tend to be overrepresented, so take reviews with a grain of salt.

🔸 Look for consistent patterns of complaints—this can indicate real red flags.

4️⃣ Decode the Job Description for Hidden Red Flags

Job descriptions can tell you a lot—if you know what to look for! 🚩

❌ “Self-starter, hit the ground running” – Likely no structured training or onboarding.

❌ “Juggle multiple projects” – Could mean being overworked and understaffed.

❌ “Fast-paced environment” – Often code for long hours and high-pressure deadlines.

👉 If a job ad is too vague, it may be a sign that they don’t have a clear vision for the role—or that expectations may keep shifting.

Do Your Homework!

Before applying, take the time to research beyond the job description. A little digging can save you from walking into a toxic work culture, a dead-end role, or an undervalued salary.

✅ Tap into your network

✅ Check employee reviews (with a balanced perspective)

✅ Look for red flags in job descriptions

✅ Consider working with an industry-savvy career coach

💡 Have you ever uncovered something surprising about a company before applying? Share your experience in the comments! 👇