TARGETING A FIRM

Targeting a company or companies in fields that you want to work in is another way of approaching your job search. There are reams of information about companies on the web, in libraries, newspapers, and on the news which can assist you in locating companies that can use your skills. In addition to locating these companies, you might try some of the following techniques to get a resume into the right hands.

MAKE A LIST OF 10 COMPANIES YOU WANT TO TARGET – Gather information about each by visiting company websites, making personal visits to pick up company literature, talking with people employed there, and making telephone calls to the company to get answers you need from receptionists and gatekeepers.

SEARCH TARGET COMPANY/INTERNET WEBSITES - You may find a posting or identify a name that you can contact within the company or information that will lead you to a key person inside the company.

FIND AN INSIDER – This is certainly the easiest way to get a resume to where you want it. How do you get to insiders? Check your network to see if anyone in it works in the company or knows someone who does. Stop at area coffee shops to see if you can contact key people having breakfast. Also, visit the company about noon and see where employees eat lunch and make contact with these people to get the names of key insiders or to leave a resume.

INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEWS - Try to get an appointment with a Human Resource Director or other person working in the department where you want to work in order to ask questions about vacancies, hiring practices, and the possibility of an interview if a job opens up.

COLD TELEPHONE CALLS - Try to work through the telephone network to a manager or worker in the department you are interested in. It can happen. We have had people successfully get to the right person for information on job openings or for an informational interview.

IN PERSON COLD CALLS - Visit targeted firms and try to meet with hiring authorities or a Human Resource Director.

MAIL A RESUME TO THE HUMAN RESOURCE DIRECTOR OR DEPARTMENT HEAD - You will never know if you do not try it.

ATTEND ASSOCIATION EVENTS, MEETINGS, ETC. WHERE WORKERS IN TARGET FIRMS MAY BE ATTENDING – This is another way to meet key people.

ATTEND CAREER FAIRS - When you see the company or companies listed as participants. It is possible to make the right contacts this way.

ATTEND NETWORKING GROUPS - See if group members have friends within the companies you are targeting.