Tuesday’s Tip: Are You Shooting Bull’s Eyes At Your Targeted Companies

Often times, people add a company to their targeted list, just because. They have not done detailed research into that company and they have no plan of action. Taking a strategic approach will help you, as well as people in your network, identify those companies where you should spend most of your job search time.

Your targeted companies are a "work-in-progress". You should always be researching companies to add to your list. Start with a manageable size (10-20) and work them until you can delete them. Then research and add some more. Also, don't forget the little guys! Most hiring these days are in small to medium sized companies.

Too many people are only targeting companies that are in their geographic region. If you fall into this category, you are missing opportunities at great companies that allow telecommuting. Some studies show that over 40% of companies offer some telecommuting options.

Note: on your Handbills, you should not only list your Targeted Companies, you should also list your desired contacts within those companies. For example:

Targeted Companies:

Allstate (VP's or Directors in Marketing)

Sears (Management levels in Retail)

Since most people in the world are visual learners, on your Handbill, include a picture of yourself so that people will remember you. They meet with a lot of people each week, and the chances of them remembering you a few weeks later when they have a lead for you will only be enhanced if you include a picture on your handbill to make the memories come back!