Conducting a Targeted Job Search

We all know that job searching in today’s job market is like bouncing a ball and trying to land it in the hoop. Only in this case, the number of players is a lot higher and the court size smaller. The question is how smart is our dribbling technique and how many dribbles we have to go through to score.

These days, candidate recruiting has taken a different course and traditional venues used in previous years are no longer effective. Frequently used job search engines such as Monster.com, CareerBuilder.com are losing ground with companies who are becoming more creative in using alternative recruiting sources that are less expensive or free.

Interestingly enough, specific marketing industry jargon has filtered into defining those alternative recruiting strategies and our job search efforts. Does “targeted” recruiting/job search or personal “branding” sound familiar? (See: Branding –New Buzzword in the Job Search Arena?)

To be successful in our job search today, we need to put ourselves in the mindset of a market researcher. We have to research where the demand is and design our product based on the buyers needs. It is vital to understand what companies are looking for, what venues companies are using to target their candidates and how we can make ourselves visible within those venues. Here starts your targeted job search!

Below, is a checklist that outlines important steps you should be taking in your job search process that will help you stand out and be a step ahead of the crowd:

Targeted Job Search Checklist

Targeted Resume

Align content with industry field/job description: use key words

Align your skills and experience with stated Objective

CareerBuzz

Create account and upload resume

Navigate Job posting/internships only for GT students

Participate in On-Campus Interviews

Attend company information sessions

Join Industry Related Professional Organization

Research Website: Job Boards, Discussion Boards, On-line Communities

Read Publications/Newsletters

Participate in National and Regional Conferences

Attend/Volunteer/Network with local chapters

LinkedIn.com

Create and maximize your Profile/On-line resume

Join Professional Groups and participate in discussion topics

Establish Connections and build networking relationships

Search for Jobs

Create Professional Blog

Write about school projects

Write industry related articles

Participate in Career Services Special Events: Resume Blitz & Mock Interview Week

Have your resume critiqued by company representatives

Practice your interview skills and network with employers

Join the LinkedIn GT Career Services: Job Search Coaching Group

LinkedIn Profile Review and Critique

Coaching advice on additional targeted resources related to career interest

Opportunity to share job search successes among the group members and to learn from each other

Special invitation to workshop and events offered by GT Career Services in partnership with company representatives on job search related strategies

~ by andreaifekete on February 25, 2009.