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.