Who’s Hiring – Job Search Advice

January 28, 2011


The current job market is not easy, so where should you focus your search efforts? What companies are hiring? And with what companies are the jobs more secure? While you are researching that, don’t forget another very important question – who do you WANT to work for?
Looking over the recent employment survey from GreatPlaceJobs.com they reviewed hiring and layoff data for the last year. The results clearly demonstrates that the biggest employers are not necessarily the best. Each year Fortune produces the “100 Best Companies to Work For” list. These highly desirable workplaces, also had much lower layoff rates -about 50% lower–than the US’s largest Fortune 100 companies.

Who are the top companies to work for?
Some of these organizations will surprise you. The top organization, “NetApp” has about 5,000 employees and is a data warehouse high tech company. Not a household name, but the #1 spot for happy employees. Other “Best Employers” hold some new companies you won’t know as well as some names you’ll more likely recognize included: Edward Jones, Google, Goldman Sachs, Whole Foods Market, Nordstrom, Mayo Clinic, Marriott … Click to read the complete list of the best companies to work for. You’ll be able to gain more info on salaries paid by all these 100 employers and search them by specific geographical locations.
So how do you get hired?
Many people seek out these employers so you need a more effective strategy to get you ahead of the pack. To begin:

  1. Create a short list. Look over the Best 100 and select the companies that interest you. Determine if you are willing to relocate and then add any in areas you wish to move too. Large companies often have more than one location so check out this detail before you cross a prospect off your list of employers to actively pursue. If you can also find many openings
  2. Go to the company’s website. Take your newly created list and then go to each company’s website. Look at what they offer: their products and services. Explore their current job openings — typical you’ll find a link on the home page or site map.
  3. Target Your Resume. Is your resume updated and downright the best it can be? Will you resume stand out and get you interviews? Is it full of accomplishments? Will it stand out in a crowd? Find out before you network. Take this Resume Quiz. People you talk to will request to see it or pass it on so be sure it’s top notch.
  4. Network. Look for organizational charts, often you can find employee and/or executive names. Investigate, make a phone call of two if necessary but try to uncover the particularly company department head’s name who would likely be your boss, or your boss’s boss. Many jobs are found by obtaining a lead through contacts. Ask family, friends, neighbors, old bosses, colleagues, and college alumni for assistance in tracking down job openings, manager names and potential opportunities in your list of companies. Add new companies that they may bring to your attention. Your objective is to connect with someone inside the company who can provide inside information, and internally pass on your resume or application. If you can’t find someone inside, open the door yourself. Write a terrific self-marketing letter to the manager that would most likely be your boss. Include a short paragraph that concisely outlines your strongest skills and major accomplishments. Mention that you’ll be calling in a few days to learn more about their current needs. Attach your resume. Mail the letter (as in postal mail), not email. Follow up and call but be prepared to sell yourself on the spot if you reach the potential boss.

Robin Ryan has appeared on Oprah and Dr. Phil is considered America’s top career coach. Robin has a busy career counseling practice providing individual career coaching, resume writing services, interview preparation, salary negotiations, and outplacement, to clients nationwide. She is the best-selling author of:60 Seconds & You’re Hired!; Soaring On Your Strengths; What to Do with the Rest of Your Life; Winning Resumes ; and Winning Cover Letters . A dynamic national speaker, Robin has spoken to over 1200 audiences sharing her insights on how to improve their lives and obtain greater success. Contact Robin at: 425.226.0414, or email: RobinRyan@aol.com, or visit her website: www.robinryan.com

Originally posted by Candice A

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