Target Companies and Streamline Your Search

Targeting companies is a really effective job search strategy. It's when a candidate actively researches and pursues a particular company based on industry, market share, size, geographical location, or reputation. The Internet is a fantastic resource for this strategy because it allows a job seeker to conduct extensive research, and to visit the company's website and job board. Not all positions are posted on the major online job sites, and sometimes a job seeker can gain an advantage by being proactive.

Another helpful resource when targeting companies is subscribing to local publications such as the Denver Business Journal, which includes a Book of Lists with each subscription. The Book of Lists offers a comprehensive list of companies according to industry, and includes contact information, number of employees, amount of revenue, and names of key executives.

This underused strategy allows a job seeker to streamline the job search process. Looking for a job is a full-time job, but use that time wisely. If a small- to mid-sized company is your ideal work environment, then don't waste your time pursuing a company with 1,000 or more employees. The better you know yourself and what you want, the more "targeted" you are, and the more successful your job search will be.

Ask Aimee!

An irresponsible, job-hopping friend asked me to be a reference for her. How do I say "no" and still keep the friendship?

Especially in these competitive, unstable times, you should never jeopardize your professional integrity and reputation for someone unworthy of your praise. Offer to privately support her, help her find job openings, and practice her interviewing skills. You can still play an active role in her job search without being a reference.

Dive into a Job Fair

With the unemployment rate on the rise, job fairs are popping up almost every week in every major city across the country. They are a fantastic opportunity because they showcase ligitimate companies with legitimate job openings all under one roof. It gives you the chance to meet hiring managers, present your skills, and size up your competiton. It's like "speed dating" for someone looking for a job.

Before you leave the house, research and prioritize the companies that will be at the fair, print numerous copies of your resume on high-quality resume paper, plan your professional attire, and practice your elevator pitch. Preparation for a job fair greatly increases your chances of maximizing those opportunities.

Start with the companies you are least interested in and work your way up to your number one. That gives you time to settle your nerves, and figure out which accomplishments to highlight so the hiring manager will remember you and want to continue the conversation...meaning securing an actual interview with the company. Dive into a job fair!

Facebook Is Not a Face-to-Face

You will never find a job in your pajamas! Surfing the Internet for eight hours a day is not an effective job search. The Internet is a fantastic resource for researching companies, finding job openings, and connecting with people on social sites. However, Facebook should never be used as a substitute for good, old-fashioned face-to-face interaction. If you want or need to find a job, the single, most important thing you can do is to leave your house.

Statistically speaking, the number one way to find a job is through networking. The more people you meet, the more hands you shake, the more times you present your "elevator speech", and the more companies you learn about, the greater your chances are of securing a new position.

Consider joining a job seekers group, attending professional networking events, and telling everyone you know that you are in a career transition. Breaking out of your comfort zone, dressing in professional attire, and conversing with other live people at a networking function is perfect practice for presenting yourself in an actual interview. That is certainly something the Internet can't prepare you for or teach you.

Ask Aimee!

I'm embarrassed to tell anyone I've been laid off...what do I do?
The current unemployment conditions are actually a gift for job seekers. There is no longer any shame attached to being laid-off. You share the same set of circumstances with millions of other job seekers. Just make sure you separate yourself from the position. "My position was eliminated...not me."

Ask Aimee!

What do I wear to an interview if the company is "business casual"?
My advice is to always "err on the side of formality". It doesn't matter if the interviewer is wearing cut-offs, you still need to present your best, professional self. You also treat the interview more seriously when you dress seriously. Make a statement, and dress your best!

Celebrate the Small Stuff

You've heard of, "Don't sweat the small stuff". An even more powerful statement is, "Celebrate the small stuff". Job seekers become intensely invested in the final outcome...the job offer. They're on top of the world if they get the job, or a complete failure if they don't. It's an all or nothing attitude.

Try celebrating the small successes throughout the process. If you're asked for an interview, then you know your resume is working. Great...let's celebrate!! If you're asked back for a second interview, then you know you aced the first one. Great...let's celebrate!! If the company wants to fly you to its headquarters for a final interview, then you know what you're doing is working. Great...let's celebrate!!

So much of the job search process is beyond your control. The company decides to promote an internal employee instead of hiring a new one, there is an unexpected hiring freeze, or the department manager is pressured into hiring the boss's nephew. There are so many scenarios that take place "behind the scenes", that you can't afford to expend unnecessary amounts of energy trying to predict or control the outcome.

When you celebrate the small successes along the way, you build confidence, momentum, and positive energy. Make a conscious decision to focus on the positive and minimize the negative. Congratulate yourself, acknowledge your hard work, toast your accomplishments, and savour your successes.