The antidote to job search potluck is information gleaned from a bit of creative detective work that can open an array of opportunities you never considered.
This series offers a process that gets job seekers beyond advertisements. In Part 1 we discussed the importance of knowing what you want. In Part 2 we considered how to use that information to network. In this third part, let’s look at where to find companies to network into.
The trick to making a list of target companies is thinking outside the box.
Heard on the street here in northeast Ohio, “I’ve tried Smuckers, Gojo, Diebold, Timken, Progressive and Eaton. There are just no jobs here in NEO.” Bull. Folks who say this have not done the research to find companies in their community that might be options other than the few really big companies.
They are not looking in the right place. This calls for some research.
Here are three research options I recommend to my clients:
- Google Maps. Maps.google.com. Zoom out to the geography within which you are willing to commute in your target geography. Then click on the “nearby” button to open a search button. Enter a keyword that describes your industry. Maybe “Manufacturing” or “Distribution” or “Healthcare”. Click the enter button and watch Google generate lots of red dots representing potential job search targets. Magic.
- Reference USA Resource.ReferenceUSA.com/ is a data base that allows you to insert many search factors like geography, industry, size, revenue and more. Click on the search button and you will generate a list of potential job search targets. You can access Reference USA from your local library or in your local public library’s online interface. All you need is a library card!
- Other library resources. References librarians love to help. They have access to many research resources that can be helpful from Hoovers to Dun & Bradstreet. Just walk up to the reference librarian’s desk. They will throw themselves at you in an effort to help!
Expand your job search outside of potluck advertisements by doing a little research to identify more target companies than the local “big companies” in your neighborhood. This opens up more opportunities for networking and we all know that networking is the way most people will get their next jobs!!
Job search is a numbers game. More outreach delivers more action. The Interview Doctor’s Job Requirements Comparison List is the perfect tool to clarify what you want. Networking is easier when you know what you want!! Download the Job Requirements Comparison List today to get started on your networking adventure! So much better than taking potluck.