Wanna Job? Do the Research First

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For many people, the only thing harder than being out of a job is searching for one. The difficulties associated with finding employment can wear down even the most resilient job seekers. Applying for dozens of jobs each week and getting few or no replies can slowly erode your self-esteem. And this loss of confidence can prove detrimental to those of you trying to market your skills to would-be employers.

The good news is that you can avoid many of the mistakes that keep can keep you from winning a job. You can learn how to choose the best channels for applying, why you shouldn’t rely on online resources exclusively, and how to use your contacts effectively. By demystifying the job search process, you can improve your chances for success—provided you’re willing to put in the hard work, time, and patience required.

Research for job readiness

The Internet has transformed the job search process, changing the way we find job openings and research potential employers. Few organizations advertise job openings exclusively in printed classified ads, and some may not use print media at all. Today, information about employers, including job openings, is most often found on the Internet.

Focus the job search

Before beginning your quest for work, you should complete a personal evaluation of your goals. In particular, you should determine the type of work you want to do, where you want to do it, and for whom. Only after you have that information can you start a focused search for work. Although many of you know the type of work you want to do, others need help matching their interests and skills with a specific career. Skills self-assessment guides are particularly useful to anyone who is still exploring career options.Deciding whom to work for also takes research. You should avoid what career experts call the “shotgun approach” to finding a job. This is where you send out 100 resumes in the hopes of getting an interview and possibly a job. Try to focus your search to a few companies or the government.A more targeted approach produces applications that express a better understanding of the organization and its business, reducing the likelihood that your application will to unanswered.

Using online resources

Ideally, you learn about the industries and organizations that interest you before looking for work. Employers expect you to know who they are, what they do, where they operate, and how they compare with others in the industry—especially since such information is readily available online. Useful resources include newspaper articles, industry publications, employee blogs, and online discussions. You can use forums, also known as discussion boards, to communicate with people who work in your desired industry or organization.

Specialized job boards are another useful resource. These boards cater to a particular group, such as a university’s student body or alumni or members of a specific trade or professional association. Specialized job boards feature openings for job seekers who are already part of a wider network. By scouring these boards, you can determine which organizations are actively hiring and can gather information on work duties, minimum requirements, and compensation for specific job openings.