Precise job hunting

Years ago, many years ago right after college, I received a book from the career counselor at the college that I went to. The book had a massive list of companies that were in my field. Each company had a write up about them and what type of jobs was open. I went through the book and sent out 200 resumes and 200 cover letters. I received no invitations for job interviews but I did receive form letters that they weren’t interested. To say the least I was naïve at the time, I thought that a bombardment of resumes would at least to a few leads, it didn’t. The morale of the story is to use precise job hunting.

Of course I am not saying not to be picky or to concentrate on one or two companies. But you have to have time to really concentrate on the companies that you want to work for. If you send out a massive mailing campaign how are you going to research every company on the list. It is much better to start with a few companies and find out something about them. Of course the internet has information on just about anything so you should start there to do your research.

What information are you looking for?

• What does the company do? 
• Is it a public or private company? 
• What is its financial outlook? It is also important to see how it has been doing in the past 10 years or so. 
• Has it been laying off employees? 
• Check the latest news about the company, is there any bad news on the internet about it? 
• Who are its competitors and how are they doing?

  

Although it isn’t always possible but if you know someone who works for the company you can ask what it is like to be an employee there.

  

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