“All mankind is divided into three classes: those that are immovable, those that are moveable, and those that move” – Arabic Proverb
So which are you? Successful job search is all about putting in the time to get your resume out there and cultivating your contacts. Networking is a key component, but you need to have done your research as well. Yes, research. Whether it’s looking for the companies you would like to work for or researching a company where you have an interview, research is the key to finding your job. Then, leverage your network to for contacts in those companies. It’s those that move that make a difference, all of the rest are just obstacles that the rest of us steer around.
Company Research: It sounds really simple (and it is in a way), but you really need to put in some time to researching the companies you may want to work. The following links will tell you how and where you can do this.
- How to Research a Company Online Before Your Job Interview – This article, from eHow.com, provides 9 easy steps to help you in researching companies. But in addition to the “Google it” the remainder of the tips provide some really good information.
- Research Companies – If you haven’t visited vault.com now is the time. This is a great site (use my link at the start of this paragraph) for company research. The page starts with the Vault Rankings (their “best”) and is followed by most viewed companies. Lower on the page are links for featured employers. As if this was not enough, you can use the links on the right hand side of the page to search for specific company, industry or location.
- Wall Street Journal Company Research – Who better than the Wall Street Journal for company research? This link provides quotes, profiles, financials, ratings and research reports. Enter the company name or symbol and you are on your way.
Networking: Yes, networking. This is one of the “big four” (Networking, Recruiters, Company Career Sites and Job Search Sites).
- Job Search Marketing Toolkit – Networking – Where best to start then on CareerAlley? There are a number of links to networking “how to’s”, “Ten Excuses Why People don’t Network” and more. Take a look.
- Key Career Networking Resources for Job-Seekers - According to Quintcareers.com, this post offers “A collection of key Web-based career and job-search network resources for job-seekers” and it does. This page provides articles on tips, advice and tutorials. There are links for tutorials, special links for college grads, who to talk to and more.
- Top 10 Social Sites for Finding a Job – Leave it to Mashable.com to gather this great collection of the top social sites for finding a job. Networking is not only about “calling your friends”, it’s also about leveraging social networks. As you might have guessed, LinkedIn.com tops the list (and if you’ve not joined, now is the time). You have probably heard of some of the remaining nine (I would be impressed if you heard of all of them).
Good luck with your search.
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