Do you have the right credentials, the right work history, and the right attitude, but have no luck with the hundreds of jobs you have applied to?
A very common issue that job seekers face is that they are not applying to the companies and positions that they are a best fit for.
You can have the best resume in the world, but if out of desperation you are applying to hundreds of jobs that you are not qualified for, you are are not able to effectively market your skills.
You can have the best resume in the world, but if out of desperation you are applying to hundreds of jobs that you are not qualified for, you are are not able to effectively market your skills.
A few weeks ago I shared with you the importance of getting your goals together for your job search and networking strategy.
Knowing what you want is the first step to one of THE MOST important things you MUST do whether you are actively or passively looking for work:
Become an expert at refining your target market!
Here is an article by Lisa Rangel from Career Attraction that is PURE GOLD when it comes to learning how to develop your target market. Check it out here.
I loved all of Lisa's tips and use a majority of them to help clients get focused in their job search.
Her first tip is to create a "wish list" of companies you want to work on.
I want to share with you some easy techniques to get your target market "wish list" started.
First, write out your list of companies that you may want to work for. This step is important and also one of the bigger stumbling blocks in job search. Without it you may not have the focus you need to tailor your resumes and develop a strong networking strategy.
- "What if the company you like is never hiring" you ask?
- While that may not necessarily be true, you do want to make sure that your "Wish List" is broad enough to provide job search opportunity.
- You want to also include on your "Wish List" similar companies, competitors, and company vendors. If you are hired in any of these related companies you can at the very least gain experience in your desired industry.
Once you have a satisfying list of companies, it is time to do a little more digging.
Second, consider the company culture, benefits and average salary for your profession, location and cost of living in the areas they operate in, and growth opportunities.
- To begin your research I suggest checking out the company corporate website. However, you will have questions that can not be answered from what you find there.
Third, I recommend checking out sites like glassdoor.com and indeed.com to get an idea of how current and former employees feel about the company and salary expectations.
- Write down answers to your questions and new questions that may come up.
- Then narrow your list down to your strongest prospects and get ready to start making some personal connections!
When you begin your job search with specific goals in mind (something more than just getting hired), you are able to develop plans that put you in control of the process.
Have you tried any of the tips here or on the Career Attraction Blog? Leave your comments below to share what works for your job search with others :)
