Target For Job Search Success

In today's economy, landing a job is a numbers game.  You can be one of the 1,000+ resumés received for every job posted on job boards. Or, you can be the candidate that gets the interview and the job offer because you found companies that are more likely to have opportunities for someone with your degree, strengths, passions and qualities.

Working with new professionals, I've observed too many college graduates are doing all the wrong things to get the job they want. 

Improve your chances of landing your first professional job by engaging in these actions. 

❶ Researching your options is a critical step in your job search. You  will  need to research the fields that appeal to you, understand the career path to achieving your goal, identify companies in your field  of interest, and learn all you can about those companies.

 ❷  Talking to people is the most effective way to learn about career options. Networking is nothing more than talking to people to gain  information and ideas. It can help you to get a read on the industry,  job or company culture you are considering and it provides insight that helps to set you apart in the application and interview process.  Because many employers no longer list job openings, networking may be the only way you will learn about an opportunity.

 ❸  Informational interviewing is a form of networking where you request time to talk to a person by phone or face-to-face.  You are asking for information, not a job. It is an excellent way to gain insight on how people get started in a field, what the pros and cons are for working in that field, what employers in that field look for in a job candidate, how to connect with others, and what you can do to get your  foot in the door.

 ❹  With the information you've gathered you can compile a robust list  of companies in your field of interest and in the geographic area  where you want to live. You will know the titles of the positions you  are qualified to apply for. You will have started your evaluation  criteria and list of questions to ask on your  interview. And, it's likely  you will be able to network your way into some of the companies on your list.

Your work from this point on is to look and listen for information on those companies. Check into the company websites for news and career opportunities. When you see an opportunity, always apply through the company website.