A Targeted Job Search 101

By Paul Cecala, GCDF, April 17, 2023

One of the biggest mistakes my clients make is not having a focused list of target organizations when job searching. Yet, once they work with me to create that list, they are 2 times more productive in networking and see an immediate increase in the productive activity of the job search process. Here I will share some thoughts on a target job search Milestone 2 in my Job Search Project Plan Methodology.

By taking a targeted approach to a job search, one can increase the chances of finding a job that is a good fit for skills and career goals, while also demonstrating dedication and enthusiasm to potential employers.

Why is a targeted job search a best practice?

There are many reasons targeting a search improves productivity. Here are some:

1. Increases the likelihood of finding a job that fits your skills and career goals: By focusing on specific organizations or industries that align with your skills and experience, you increase your chances of finding a job that is a good fit for your career goals.
2. Demonstrates your interest and commitment: A targeted job search shows potential employers that you have done your research and are genuinely interested in working for their organization. This can help you stand out from other job applicants and increase your chances of being hired.
3. Saves time and effort: Rather than applying to any job opening that seems remotely relevant, a targeted job search allows you to focus your time and effort on the organizations and industries that are most likely to offer opportunities that match your skills and career goals.
4. Helps you build a network: By focusing on specific organizations or industries, you can build a network of contacts and connections in those fields. This can help you stay up to date on job openings and industry trends, and may even lead to future job opportunities.

Overall, a targeted job search allows you to focus your efforts on the organizations and industries that are most likely to offer opportunities aligning with your skills and career goals, while demonstrating your interest and commitment to potential employers.

How to identify organizations in a target market

There are many ways to identify target organizations for a job search. Some common strategies include these:

1. Industry research: Start by researching the industry or field that you are interested in. Look for organizations that are leaders or innovators in the industry, and that align with your career goals and values.
2. Professional networks: Use your professional network to identify organizations that are hiring or that may be a good fit for your skills and experience. This can include former colleagues, alumni networks, and industry associations.
3. Job search engines: Use job search engines and career websites to identify organizations that are currently hiring for roles that match your skills and experience.
4. Social media: Follow organizations and industry leaders on social media to stay up to date on industry trends and job openings.
5. Targeted job fairs: Attend job fairs and industry events that are focused on the organizations and industries that interest you.

In my methodology we focus on three specific variables to create a series of target markets. Once the target market is defined it is easier to identify all the organizations that fit into the target using some or all the above methods. Then you can research each organization in detail to learn more about their mission, values, and culture. This will help you tailor your job search and demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the organization in your application materials.

A recent client came to me complaining she had no real leads and no interviews for more than 6 months of job search. Her problem: she was applying to jobs in 4 different fields and 5 or 6 different functional areas. After defining her target markets, she was able to not just focus on 2 or 3 related functions that could cross several fields, she also developed a brand (resume, social media presence, marketing materials) that was cohesive and highlighted her expertise in ways that the hiring authorities were able to relate to their needs.

How to locate the offices of an organization

Often, job seekers do not know where their target organizations have offices or locations and whether remote work is an option. There are several ways to locate the offices of an organization:

1. Organization website: Check the organization’s website for information about its locations. Most organizations will have a “Contact Us” or “Locations” page that provides details about their offices.
2. Online directories: Search for the organization using online directories such as Google Maps, LinkedIn, or Yellow Pages. These directories will often provide information about the organization’s address, phone number, and website.
3. Business databases: Use business databases such as Dun & Bradstreet/Hoovers to find information about an organization’s offices and locations. One I particularly like is Data Axle’s Reference Solutions.
4. Industry & Professional Associations: Seek out the associations for your role/function or industry to learn more about local organizations. Your Public Library librarian can help you find them. Attend those meetings.
5. Professional networks: Reach out to your professional network to see if anyone has information about the organization’s local offices. This can include former colleagues, industry associations, and alumni networks.
6. Social media: Check the organization’s social media profiles for information about its locations and offices. Organizations will often share updates and photos of their offices on social media.

Once you have located the local offices of an organization, you can use this information to tailor your job search and demonstrate your interest and knowledge of the organization in your customized application materials.

Another client of mine thought he knew of every Philly area facility that his #1 priority organization had. Having tried to network into the ones he knew of without success he had given up on working for this company. Reluctantly he went to the Career Center at the Philadelphia Public Library seeking assistance in finding the locations of his target list. The librarian, using Data Axle’s Reference Solutions, found 2 facilities he was unaware of for that key employer. Two weeks later he had an interview and a month after that was employed there.

Can you provide a statistical proof that target job searches are more successful

Research suggests that a targeted approach can increase the chances of finding a job that is a good fit for one’s skills and career goals. For example, a study by Indeed.com found that job seekers who apply to jobs at organizations where they have connections are 15 times more likely to get hired than those who apply through a job board.

Similarly, a survey by LinkedIn.com found that 85% of all jobs are filled through networking, suggesting that building connections and focusing a job search on specific organizations and industries can be a more effective strategy than simply applying to job postings.

Overall, while there may not be definitive statistical proof that targeted job searches are more successful, research suggests that taking a focused and strategic approach to a job search can increase the chances of finding a job that is a good fit for you.

For job seekers who wish to expand their ideas of appropriate organizations while being laser focused in their job search activity, AND give their network specific direction on how to best help in their job search, targeting is the way to go. It allows you to set daily and weekly measurable goals and identifies the organizations and people with whom to network. One of the best ways to reduce your time to employment is to utilize a well-defined targeted job search.

For a detailed step-by-step process and the tools needed for a targeted job search, contact me at http://www.cecalacareer.com.

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Paul Cecala

Paul Cecala can help you navigate to your success. Learn more about his services here.