When you are looking for a company to start or change your career, you want to choose wisely. You want to find an employer that is a good fit for you. Below are ten tips to identifying targeted employers in your job search:
- Choose geographic locations where you want to work. Do you want to contain your search to your local area or do you want to have a more expanded search in other states? Knowing this will allow you to refine your search to companies located in areas you want to live.
- Create a “dream” list of companies you would ideally want to work for. This is where you would want to begin your search. You want to start looking at job openings within these companies as well as networking with people who currently work there. Along with this, you should think about what your “dream” position is. You want to create career goals so you can develop a path strategy.
- Once you have exhausted this list, start looking at startup companies that may have multiple job openings. By identifying these startups, you are then provided with some great avenues to work in up-and-coming companies.
- Do your research about different companies. Learn what their mission and core values are. Do they align with yours? You want to make sure it is a company you could really get behind and would enjoy working for.
- Find conferences and conventions to attend. This will allow you to network with hiring managers, learn more about the open job positions they have and if it would be a targeted employer for you. This will also give you a point of contact to follow up with and inquire about different positions.
- Find industry blogs that can be of a resource to you. This will give you a list of companies that you would be interested in pursuing further or a point of contact to inquire about a position.
- Think about who and what you do every day. Are there companies that you like and would enjoy working with? This could give you some ideas of targeted employers to add to your list.
- If you are currently working for a company, then consider a competitor of theirs. This is assuming that you haven’t signed a non-compete agreement. Working for a competitor can give you an advantage because you know how the industry works and you will be a vital contributor very quickly.
- You can also look at companies that your family or friends work for. This does not mean that you are guaranteed to get hired. But it could work to your advantage. Also, you will be able to get an accurate picture of what it is like to work with them.
- Search your social networks for companies you may want to add to your list. Maybe some of their messages resonate with you or you see an area of the business where you can contribute.
