You may wonder why research is so important for this process of establishing job targets to work. Research can help you decide which field to go into and is a solid way to develop a list of “target companies.” Research will also improve your networking and interviewing skills as well as increase your level of confidence in interviews. Knowledge about a company you are interested in makes you look more like an insider moving up rather than an outsider pressing to get in, which is an important psychological advantage. Research may also give you just that extra edge over your competition. Don’t ever forget that the race for jobs is fierce and unrelenting.
Use your library. It’s there and it’s free and oh-so willing to help you if only you would ask. Find a university or big city library with an extensive business collection that’s conveniently located in relation to your home. Plan to spend some time with the business librarian who is there solely for the purpose of helping you, the job seeker. Be specific if you can, and tell the librarian exactly what you want and need. The more they know, the more they can help you. If you are vague, they can’t be much better. Get in the habit of photocopying articles that you can read at home.
The one problem with the library is that it might look different to you than when you used it for research back in your college days. Now computer terminals have replaced the old card catalogues, which I personally miss very much. I have memorized the Dewey Decimal numbers for the sections I usually need, for I don’t like strange computers and I might add, they are not very fond of me. Still, don’t do as I do and ask for help. The library staff will aid you in finding whatever you need.
Devote at least two full days to library research especially if you are not sure which industry you wish to enter. Make a tentative list of industries you might like to enter by using directories on CD-ROM databases. Take notes and stay tuned for more tips on job target research methods.
Happy search!
Related Reading:
“Resume Format: Is There a Right Way?”
“A Resumé For The Electronic Age”
“What Are Hard and Soft Skills?”
http://forums.families.com/jobs,f122