WHAT To Research In The
Marketplace
One of the most important skills a job-seeker can learn during a job-search is research skills. The quality of your research skills will dramatically impact both short term job search and longer range career continuity.
Information is a critical commodity in job-hunting; the more you know and the easier it is for you to find information, the better your chances of success. So, make the commitment to improve your research skills. In fact, hold yourself accountable to research time each and every week. Employers value job-seekers who know key information about the company because that knowledge demonstrates your interest and enthusiasm for the company and for the job.WHAT Information Fits Your Offer Criteria…
You are usually seeking two sets of information.
The first set of information deals with general company information. The types of information you might gather here include: products and services, history and corporate culture, organizational mission and goals, key financial statistics, organizational structure (divisions, subsidiaries, etc.), and locations. Of course, you may also research the industry, key competitors, and countries where any specific, targeted, companies have offices.
The second set of information deals with personal and employment issues, and includes such things as career paths and advancement opportunities, benefits, diversity initiatives, and other human resources functions.
Remember, both objective (factual) and subjective (word-of-mouth, opinions) information can be of value. The following "OFFER CRITERIA MATRIX" will help you keep this all straight…
|
WHAT is important to you in a new job è |
Location |
Industry |
Business Climate |
Size of Company |
Mgt Philosophy |
|
|
Researchable FACTS |
X |
X |
X |
X |
||
|
SUBJECTIVE Info |
?? |
?? |
You can analyze as many columns of information as is important to your definition of next right work. The Matrix will serve you well in all four levels of research mentioned previously… and when completely "filled in" can put the objectivity back in to the emotional process of accepting your next position, or taking the next step.
Remember, the sooner you get started, the better off you’ll be. Next in the series: WHERE to go for efficient research.
Research OVERVIEW | WHAT To Research | WHERE To Research
For MORE INFO e-mail your thoughts and questions to the careerpilot.
Bob Maher, CMF... The Careerpilot
Bob created his online presence, www.careerpilot.com, in 1994. He has over twenty years of successful experience in Corporate Recruitment, performance management and Career Management Services. He is an entrepreneur and innovator in the use of information technology in the recruitment and employment process. On the Founder's Council of the Association of Career Professionals - International and quite active in their Professional Development, Technology and Chapter Growth initiatives--a frequent speaker at industry conferences and seminars. Awarded the prestigious LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD in 2006.