STOP Scatter Shooting Your Job Search! Start Targeting

By Paul Cecala, GCDF, Oct 5, 2023

WHAT IS A SCATTER SHOOT JOB SEARCH?

A “scatter-shot” or “scattergun” job search lacks focus and precision. In this approach, job seekers cast a wide net by applying to many job openings indiscriminately, with minimally tailoring applications and resumes to the specific roles or employers. According to Department of Labor statistics, people employing this method are less than 9% successful. I recommend a more productive methodology.

A TARGETED JOB SEARCH

I highly recommend my clients apply a project management methodology to their job search which emphasizes a Targeted Job Search.

It is a highly focused and strategic approach to finding employment that involves concentrating your efforts on specific job opportunities and employers that closely align with your career goals, skills, and interests. A targeted job search is more deliberate and tailored to your individual needs.

Here are some key components to a targeted job search. I will expand on the first 3 for this article, but the others are equally important.

1. Define Your target job markets:

Here is a chance to expand your ideas on your ideal employers while arranging the organizations so you can systematically approach your search. A target job market consists of 3 variables: Location, Industry, Role/function. Change any of the variables and you create another or new target.

For example, one client of mine, Tracey, stated she wanted to work in the Greater Kansas City area or the Greater Atlanta area. She also wanted to work in the banking or health insurance industries, primarily working as a business data analyst.

Here is what her target market chart looks like:

Once you know the market parameters, you can then research to identify all the organizations that fit those groupings.

A great resource to identify the organizations that match your career aspirations and values is your local public library. There you can access databases like Dunn & Bradstreet/Hoovers or Data Axel’s Reference Solutions.

In Tracey’s case, we identified 24 banking organizations in the KC area and 46 in the Atlanta area. Those organizations had a total of more than 100 BA Analysts on staff.

Next prioritize the organizations within each target.

2. Research Your Ideal Employers:

Once identified and prioritized, it is time to research these employers including their culture, mission, values, and recent news or developments. Online resources, company websites, and professional networks can provide valuable access to information. At this point your goal is to get basic information about the industry, about the organizations you are interested in, and to identify any people you may know within those organizations. You want to get enough information that when you do start networking and talking to people, you speak from a place of some knowledge

Some specific information you want to uncover:

• Current trends in the industry and organizations
• The leading organizations and people in the industry
• Seek out ways the organizations utilize your expertise
• Collect some job descriptions for your role to validate your qualifications
• Identify the leadership of the organization, especially those in your desired career path.

3. Network Strategically:

Based on the research you have done you can now connect with professionals in your desired field or industry through LinkedIn, joining industry and professional associations, and attending industry events.

LinkedIn is a great resource for finding people who work at these organizations. I recommend you follow and engage with the organizations and people you want to work for. This will help you get firsthand knowledge of what is happening in the organization as well as make you known to them.

Building a strong network can open doors to hidden job opportunities. According to recent staffing industry data, the 2 best ways to find work are through contacting the organization directly and networking into the organization, 40% and 35% success rates respectively. To best network strategically, you want to identify the hiring authority for the position and have them get to know you. This means finding ways to engage them in conversation. Follow them on social media. Comment on their posts. Ask them questions in the posts comments. Offer tangible ways you can support them and provide value by sharing articles of interest or offering people in your network to fill other positions. Try to find their pain points and suggest options to remove the pain.

What comes Next?

Some additional steps you will take as you conduct your job search once you have created your target markets include:

1. Customize Your Application Materials
2. Prepare for Interviews
3. Follow Up
4. Stay Persistent
5. Seek Feedback

In summary, a targeted job search is a deliberate and focused approach that involves researching, networking, and customizing your efforts to align with your career goals. It’s a strategic method that increases your chances of finding a job that not only suits your immediate needs but also contributes to your long-term career success and satisfaction.

Sources:

“Targeted Job Search: What It Is and How to Do It” by The Balance Careers (https://www.thebalancecareers.com/what-is-a-targeted-job-search-4584051)

“How to Conduct a Targeted Job Search” by Indeed (https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-conduct-a-targeted-job-search)

Wendleton, K., The Five O’Clock Club Job Search Workbook, 2007, The Five O’Clock Club, Inc. and Thomson Delmar Learning, pg 84-85

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Paul Cecala

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