Finding the right employer to work for can be a daunting task, especially if you are just starting your job search. However, it is important to take the time to research and target the correct employers, as this can help you find a job that is fulfilling and aligns with your values and career goals. Here are some real-life examples of how to target the correct employers to work for.
Determine your values and career goals
Before you start your job search, it is important to determine your values and career goals. This will help you identify the types of companies and organizations that align with your values and provide opportunities for career growth. For example, if you value sustainability and environmental responsibility, you may want to target companies that have a strong commitment to sustainability and environmentally-friendly practices. Alternatively, if you are interested in a career in technology, you may want to target companies that are leaders in the technology industry.
Research companies and industries
Once you have identified your values and career goals, the next step is to research companies and industries that align with your interests. This can involve conducting online research, attending industry events, and networking with professionals in your field. For example, if you are interested in a career in the fashion industry, you may want to research companies that are known for their sustainable and ethical practices. Alternatively, if you are interested in a career in finance, you may want to research companies that specialize in sustainable finance or impact investing.
Here are just a few things you should check on:
Glassdoor: It’s never been easier to find out information about a company before you apply. Glassdoor is an incredible resource where employees can leave anonymous information about their salary, benefits, opinions of their employers, and plenty more.
LinkedIn: Look up the name of the company you want to apply to and see what information you can get about the people who work there. Particularly, anyone you’ll need to apply to or who you’ll work with regularly.
Social media: Most career advisors aren’t going to tell you to look to Twitter to get a job (though some will). After successfully getting two jobs through connections made on Twitter, I certainly will. You never know what’s going to get you a foot in the door. Meeting people who work for the company you want to apply to on social media can be a great way to break the ice.
The company’s web site: Don’t overlook the value of a company’s web site. You may be able to find a directory of the people you’ll work with or (hopefully) the people you’re applying to. Knowing who you need to impress can help you target your resume.
The time you spend upfront investigating companies will benefit you in the long run because you won’t be spending energy applying to companies that aren’t a good fit.
By applying for jobs at companies where you know you would like to work, you’ll avoid getting deep into the interview process only to realize the company is a poor fit.
Another advantage of having a list of target companies is that once you know where you want to work, you can try to network with current or former employees who can potentially refer you for a position at the company.
Use online job search tools
There are a variety of online job search tools that can help you target the correct employers. For example, LinkedIn is a popular platform for job seekers and employers alike. You can use LinkedIn to search for job openings, connect with professionals in your field, and research companies that align with your values and career goals.
Leverage your network and/or a niche community
Networking can be a valuable tool for finding the right employer to work for. You can leverage your network by attending industry events, joining professional organizations, and connecting with professionals on social media. You can also reach out to friends and family members who may have connections in your field. By networking, you can learn about job openings and opportunities that may not be advertised online. It’s advisable to join a community of like minded professionals in order to connect, collaborate, learn from whereby you can ask questions and share insights. Here at DIGGER, We believe in community and creating spaces for like-minded individuals to come together - Join our exclusive Audit and Finance Community today and start taking your career to the next level. The opportunities are endless, and we can't wait to see what you'll achieve with the support of our community.
Put Everything In Front of the Right Eyes
At this point, you’ve done a lot of work to make sure that you understand the company you want to work for and you’re capable of impressing them. It’s time to seal the deal. Hopefully you know who the key people are at the company that you can talk to. If you haven’t initiated a conversation with someone, it’s time to do so.
Once you have someone at the company to talk to, put everything in front of them. If you’re filling out a job application, list those accomplishments you’ve been working on. If you’re friends with someone at the company who isn’t the hiring manager, ask them what you should share during the application or interview. Once you’ve applied, follow up. Don’t let them forget about you.
Ideally, at this point you’ll have enough of a relationship with the people who work for a company that you can send out an email or a message without annoying them. If you’ve examined the work they do, assessed your own skills, and conveyed that you think you’re a good fit for the company, you’re already ahead of the pack in terms of getting their attention. Everything else is negotiation.
Here’s Your Job Search Targeting Game Plan
You can see side-by-side how much a job search campaign is like running a marketing campaign in business:
For Business | For Job Search |
Know your products and/or services intimately | Know yourself and define your personal brand |
Understand your target audience | Target specific employers you want to work for |
Know why your target audience needs your products and/or services | Research your target employers for market intelligence and company/industry insight |
Create marketing communications about your products and/or services that promote what they will do for your target audience. | Write compelling content (for your resume, LinkedIn profile and other materials) that will resonate with your target employers |
Market your products and/or services across multiple channels | Communicate your good-fit qualities via social media and in person |
Network your way towards decision makers within your target audience | Network purposefully to get to the “hidden” job market … those coveted jobs that are never advertised |
Prepare to communicate the good-fit qualities of your products and/or services face-to-face with your target audience | Master the job interview process |
Track and measure the results of your efforts | Track and measure the results of your efforts |
3 Tips To Pin Down a Target List of Companies for Job Search
Narrow your options by location(s) first.
Brainstorm with friends, family and those in your closest professional network. People you can trust, especially if you need to keep your search under cover.
Check out Forbes, Fortune, best companies SA and other reputable publishers’ various lists of “best” companies to work for.
There’s a lot to keep in mind when searching for a new job. Salary, benefits, location, job function, and issue area are often our main points of focus, and many of us tend to target our search around at least one of the items on that list. But knowing what type of organization you’d like to work for is another critical aspect to consider. The history, mission, and impact of a potential employer will no doubt influence your job satisfaction, and so it’s important to find a way to mine, organize, and analyze all of that information.
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