The Targeted Job Search – Networking is key
The majority of job seekers look at job boards, read classifieds and apply to open jobs. This works for some, but often they do not find their ideal job. Finding a great job that you love, takes personal insight into what you really want in a job. It is important to assess all the things you want in your next job and then go “shopping for it.” If you want a sports car, you don’t let the salesman talk you into buying an SUV. You would not settle for just any car and you shouldn’t settle for just any job either!
The first step in a good job search is determining what you really want. Some questions to ask yourself are listed below.
- What kind of work hours do I prefer?
- What size company do I want to work for?
- Do I prefer to work independently or with a team?
- Do I need a lot of communication from my manager?
- Do I prefer to communicate in-person, by phone or by e-mail with my co-workers?
- Do I like to work in a fast paced environment or a steady paced environment?
- Do I want advancement opportunities soon or do I want to stay in one position for a long period of time? If I am looking to advance soon, what is soon to me?
- Do I want a lot of responsibility, moderate responsibility or little responsibility?
- Do I like a lot of structure with more policies and procedures to follow or do I prefer little structure in a more fly by the seat of my pants environment?
- Do I like humor in the workplace or do I prefer it to be more serious?
- Do I want authority in my job to make decisions and get things done?
- I am looking for long term employment? If so, what does that look like for me?
- What is the maximum distance from home that I am willing to commute?
- What benefits are important to me?
- Medical, dental and vision
- 401(k) with matching
- Stock options
- Vacation time (___ weeks)
- Sick time
- Tuition reimbursement
- Option for telecommuting
After determining what is important to you in your next job, it is time to search for companies that may fit your needs. Start by brainstorming companies in your area and writing them down. From there, go to the internet and research the companies. Which ones seem to fit the majority of the needs that you have outlined? Pick your top four companies that you would like to target for a position. You can go to their site to see if they have an opening and apply, but isn’t there a better way to get the job… Ah, yes, networking! Who do you know who works for the four companies you wish to target? If you know someone, call them and ask if you can do an informational interview to learn more about their company. If you don’t know anyone, it is time to network to find someone you can do an informational interview with. You may want to do three or four information interviews if it is a very large corporation so you can learn as much as possible about how the company works. The more people you connect with in the company, the more possibilities that someone will know of an upcoming job that may fit your skill set.
After you have determined that you are indeed interested in working for the company you have targeted, review their openings on a daily basis and apply for the ones that match your skills well. You will want to let your “in-house” contact know that you have applied. They may receive a referral bonus if you are hired or they may have clout in helping you to get an interview. Many companies like to hire employee referrals with the idea that capable people socialize with other capable people! If someone helps you in your search, make sure you always thank them. You can do this by e-mail, but it is nice to follow-up with a handwritten thank you. Few people get hand written thank you cards these days so it may make a great impression!
Additional information is coming about “Informational Interviewing.”
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