The rules have changed for the 2010, going into the 2011 job search. The challenge for graduating college students has become more intense than ever before with high unemployment, and so many experienced career people searching for positions. The first step to an effective job search starts with research of target positions.
Effective cover letters and resumes cannot be written without the knowledge of the career, the industry, the employer, the job opening and the business infrastructure of the target market. Communicating well in the interview depends on how well an applicant researches and learns about the potential employer.
Newspapers have always been a major source for job hunters. However, 80% of available positions are not advertised by traditional means in today’s market. The overflowing unemployed are networking through state employment services locally and online. In addition, many job seekers are knocking on doors for personal contact, finding information through word-of-mouth, job fairs, news reports, and trade shows.
Target the Position
Many unemployed job seekers express the need for any job that will render a paycheck. However, targeting a position according to education and abilities will lead to better results. The key to getting in the door for an interview lies in networking skills and in the cover letter and resume. For that perfect job, a change in location may be necessary.
The Main Goal is to Show Ability to Prepare and the Eagerness to Work
It is never a good idea to wait until interview day and ask an employer about the company. Successful applicants have researched and are prepared with answers that show intelligence and interest in the target organization. Most research information can be found on the Internet. However, as a last resort, an applicant can e-mail the company for specific information days or weeks ahead of a scheduled interview.
Keep Good Records of Transactions
Keep a log, and make columns to record contact name, business, address and phone numbers at the top. On the side of the page, make a column to record the date and time. In the body of the page, record transactions and results of research efforts.
According to the University at Buffalo, the successful career seeker will know the complete ins and outs of the target business or organization. The main information to record and learn about is the contact person. In addition, follow this list when gathering background information on a potential employer.
- What is the history of the organization?
- What is the mission statement?
- What is the product or service, and sales record?
- What is their target market?
- What is the size and infrastructure and what is the potential growth?
- How many employees, and what is the structure of their organizational chart?
- What is the diversity ratio?
- What is the attitude of the company toward employees?
- What is the promotional and career path?
- What training programs are available?
- Are there any affiliate or branch companies and where are they located?
- What is the relocation policies?
- What is the competition?
- Are there college programs available?
If it is a non-profit organization, it is good to know the source of funding and programs that are served by the organization.
Pay attention to newspaper reports, and take notes about the target business or organization.
Warning: Be cautious of job offers that ask for fees, or any other money exchange. E-mails from unknown sources could be looking for spam targets or ways to get personal information for identity theft.
Resources and References
The Riley Guide: Research & Target Employers & Locations
Virginia Tech: Student Guide Researching Employers Why and How
University of Buffalo: Student Affairs Career Services Researching Employers
Clarice Cook - Sharing life experiences, education and professional expertise combined with extensive, thorough research of accredited resources.
