Researching a potential employer can help candidates decide whether to pursue job opportunities and provide essential information when preparing questions for interviews. Market research is a key tool in developing a better understanding of an organisation. Such research can identify useful background information on an employer such as its business activities, any existing job vacancies and its financial situation, such as its share performance. Searching through trade bodies and journals associated with the financial services industry, candidates can research contemporary trends and issues affecting both the sector and the employer’s organisation.