Targeting Companies

When looking for a job, most individuals will send out hundreds of resumes and call on all their contacts for assistance. These techniques are effective and can lead to quick results as your resume gets passed along and interviews are offered. However, by not being selective in regards to where your resume is being sent can cause you to end up taking a position with an organization that is not a good fit for you. And we all know where that will lead you in a few months … looking for another job.

Many times in networking meetings, the job seeker will be asked, “Where are you thinking of applying?” Unfortunately, most will respond, “Anywhere and everywhere!” While many will say this is a good attitude to have (and rightfully so), it is a desperate and unfocused response. Your networking contact cannot provide additional contacts if he or she does not know where to refer you. In addition, people will be less likely to assist as they are not confident that you know exactly what you are looking for, thus making them unsure how to assist you.

Some will argue that by targeting companies a job seeker will “miss-out” on other opportunities. That cannot be further from the truth. If you let a networking contact know that you are interested in ABC, Inc. because of their small size, commitment to producing high quality sprockets, and their excellent financial leadership training program, your contact can suggest other companies that would also fit that description. Furthermore, by not having a target list of companies, you run the risk of your networking contact not supplying you with a gem of a connection at a dream organization. Also, targeting companies does not mean that you ignore leads and contacts at other organizations – it just means that you are focusing your efforts on a specific list of companies in which you know will be a “good-fit” for you.

Some aspects of a company to consider are:

• Size
• Location: Local, national, or international company
• Industry preference
• Review some of the major clients
• Layoffs vs. Growth in the past and forecasted for the future
• Current/Former employees’ opinions
• Other qualities you deem important, such as insurance, benefits, education assistance, etc.

By targeting on companies, you can thoroughly research a company and make deeper connections with networking contacts and HR representatives. You will also be able to tailor your resumes, cover letters, and interviewing to match that company’s preferences. Obviously this cannot be done for every application, but when you target 15-20 companies, you can invest that type of time commitment.

Also, by targeting companies, you can assess whether your job search is too narrow or broad. If only a few companies in your region that handle your type of work, it may be time to consider a career change or a location change. It is important to take a realistic look at the employment landscape early in your search.

By targeting companies of interest, you will be able to focus your efforts in several areas and give your job search a clear direction.