Use media resources to provide additional targets. Listening to the nightly news or other television programs can inform you about what's hot in your area. CNN news reports, NPR's Marketplace or CBS's MarketWatch can keep you abreast of trends.

Network for possibilities in the “hidden job market.” As you are developing your list, be sure to contact your family, friends, fellow alumni, colleagues, and others in your personal and professional network. Ask them if they know 3 people that you could speak to for help. Often they can provide leads that are not available in any written source.

Overestimate your list. You will need to determine the size of your list and rank them by hiring potential. Probably, you will need to send your resume to more places that fit your profile than first expected. You may need to send out three to five resumes a week or more for several weeks in order to generate the right number of interviews and offers. Develop a time frame that works for you.

Once you have developed your “prospect list” then you will be ready to implement the various strategies for an organized job search campaign. By successfully researching employers, you will be investing your time wisely.

Thomas J. Denham is the Director of the Siena College Career Center and a Private Career Advisor with Careers In Transition. He is a regular guest on Northeast Public Radio's, The Career Forum. He can be reached at http://www.siena.edu/denham . Thomas J. Denham retains the copyright to this article.

 

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