An effective job search requires depth of thought in alternative planning and in networking. It is important to follow a unique and intelligent methodology that separates one candidate from the rest of the population. In this regard, there are three strategies that should be incorporated – creative research, horizontal networking, and vertical networking.
Few people take the time to employ creative research in their job search methodologies – and this is a mistake. Any job search first begins with some kind of core research – how big the company is; where it is headquartered; an understanding of the basic divisions; etc. Core research is the most basic and benign, but as one gets closer to reaching out to the company in question – the research has to become more creative.
Regardless of the desired division, hiring managers need to understand revenue streams – and an intelligent applicant will reflect some knowledge on revenue. This information is readily available for all publicly-traded companies. One creative way to access this information quickly is to keep an online stock trading account open. For example, Ameritrade offers an ideal depth of revenue information on any public company – and this information is key to providing more color on the financial stature of a particular firm.
Company web sites are somewhat obvious places to visit when doing research, but going deeper into their media sections will usually yield some good nuggets of information. The media sections are usually found in the About Us areas – and here the applicant is looking for press releases, collected news stories, and anything that features quotes from company employees. When reading these documents, seek quotation marks – and who is attributed to the given remark. In future conversations with hiring managers, a reflection on an interesting quote made in these pages will yield a good amount of respect for the job candidate.
Social networks are a wonderful source for creative research. Linked-In and Facebook are the best properties in this regard. Linked-In will provide details on where a prospective hiring manager went to school, where they worked before, how many industry connections they have, how long they have been with the company, etc. This is extremely valuable information. Facebook demonstrates another color of the rainbow by yielding information on lifestyle interests – sports, books, travel, etc. These are great conversation pieces – and, when reflected upon, demonstrate a prospective candidate’s determination and resourcefulness.
Networking horizontally with peers is fundamental to an effective job search. Industry events offer opportunities to build relationships with colleagues at other companies, and much can be learned about corporate cultures from these exchanges. It is not uncommon for peers to be aware of opportunities throughout the industry or to point the job seeker toward an effective recruiter. Peer relationships can have further benefits when it comes to references, and the horizontal network that is established will likely be with the candidate for the full term of a career.
Vertical networking is often overlooked by those that are seeking another job. This is a longer-term approach, but one that is built on a great platform. It is usually established a full year before an active job search is underway. Looking up the chain, it is smart to identify a mentor – and to work with this person on projects that will have exposure to others in the industry. These projects and these mentors will often offer clues and insight into other areas of responsibility that may or may not be of interest to the job seeker. Delving into an approach like this can lay the groundwork for a very effective job search – as there is an identification with the mentor and/or the projects at hand. Of course, should any of the people that make up the vertical network move on to other opportunities elsewhere, a fine contact database for the candidate is born.
Vertical networking down the chain should not be ignored. Many direct reports have friends in other companies, and these relationships may be of interest. Direct reports may also have relationships with customers that can yield valuable data on a future prospect. While this approach is somewhat tricky and depends largely on the relationship with the direct reports in question, it can set up some solid introductions for a future prospect.
Searching for a job is not always fun, but the above methodologies should make it more effective.
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