|
Like all the other aspects of job hunting, you need to approach your research efforts in a logical, systematic manner. You have to set priorities and be resourceful. And you have to manage your time effectively. Above all, you should have a clear idea of what information you need — and where to find it.
Use the Internet as a research tool
Make the World Wide Web your best friend — no source will provide access to more information, job listings, and business-related topics. Internet portals such as Yahoo!, AltaVista, and Google are good launching pads for your research. Many categorize their search areas to get you started in the right direction. When you conduct keyword searches, remember to read the directions given by each portal or search engine — this could help minimize the number of useless returns.
Online chats, discussion groups, and newsgroups give you an opportunity to communicate, via your computer, with people who either share your interest in a subject or have expertise that you want to tap into. Most career-related Internet sites and commercial online services host online discussion groups for job seekers.
Find your way around your local library
The local library is still a very cost-effective place to conduct research. Besides the free Internet access, any public library worth its salt should be able to give you access to the following information:
- Job openings listed in classified sections of newspapers and other publications that you wouldn't normally be able to find
- Directory information, articles, and books about companies where you either have set up interviews or are tracking down job leads
- Articles and books about companies and industries that may hold job possibilities
- Information about specific people in companies that you are currently talking to or are hoping to approach
- Information about up-to-the-minute trends and issues in your industry or profession
- InfoTrac, a family of databases providing access to archives for general periodicals, newspaper, government publications, academic journals, and more
Librarians are paid to help you, so don't be bashful about asking for help, and don't think that you're being a bother whenever you have a question.
Career search sites
All-in-one career research sites, such as the America Online Career Center, typically offer company profiles (with an objective view of each firm), listings of job openings at each company, and automatic e-mail delivery when openings occur within targeted companies or industries. Staffing and recruiting firms also use their Web sites to list available positions — typically by industry, job title, and region — and can search for your specific criteria. Many of these sites offer additional career advice and resources as well. For example, Robert Half International offers online job search services on all its divisional Web sites.
 | If you're currently employed, make sure to learn about the confidentiality aspects of any site to which you are considering posting your resume. |
Company research
Familiarize yourself with the company's current lines of business — products, clients, financial standing, and industry ranking. The following are good places to conduct research on companies and various career- and business-related topics (though most charge a fee):
- DialogWeb includes access to worldwide company information (both directory listings and full financials) and industry information (trends, overviews, market research, and specialized industry newsletters and reports).
- Dow Jones Interactive is a customizable business news and research service. It integrates content from top national newspapers, Dow Jones newswires, business journals, market research reports, analyst reports, and Web sites.
- EDGAR is the Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval system of the forms filed by companies with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This site is a good source for information about companies because it collects and indexes all SEC submissions.
- Hoover's Online provides Information about more than 13,500 public and private companies worldwide. The Hoover's Company Capsules offer basic information and links to corporate Web sites. These are free.
- Lexis/Nexis claims to be the largest news and business online information service, providing comprehensive company, country, financial, demographic, market research and industry reports, and access to more than 18,000 sources of news. The Lexis half deals with specialized legal research.
Many companies list available positions on their Web sites, so it's a good idea to find out whether a company you like has a Web site and then go there to see what you can learn about the firm and its job openings. In addition, check out copies of its annual reports, recruitment and marketing brochures, and 10-K and 10-Q reports.
Periodicals, trade publications, and other sources
If you're not already doing so, make three types of periodicals part of your regular reading diet:
- General business publications that are the most widely read among senior managers and other key decision makers
- Trade publications that cover your particular field
- Local newspapers and business publications
In particular, look for the following:
- Key business and economic trends
- Companies expanding or relocating
- Key trends in your particular profession or industry
- Companies in your industry (in particular, those companies in your region)
- People whom you might want to approach or would need to know about if you were to interview at those companies
- Advice on job hunting and career advancement
Don't overlook community newspapers and small, regional business publications — particularly if your research interest is in small, local companies. In particular, the people sections in these publications can give you clues to what's happening at local companies. (You can also use the fact that you saw someone's name or picture in the paper as a pretext for sending a letter of introduction along with your resume.)
|
