Checking it Twice

Making lists is at the core of any job search

Even though Christmas is three months in our rearview mirror, we’re now the ones (instead of Santa) who should be making a list (or lists) and checking it twice. Some people work well from lists; others, not so much. Even if you fall into the latter category, keeping lists during your job search can help you in many, many ways.

Here’s our list

First, let’s start with target companies. Make a list of the companies where you would like to work. How many companies should be on that list? It’s hard to say. There is no right answer. It will largely be determined by your individual circumstances. If you’re looking for a rock-bottom number, 6-8-10 companies is not outlandish. Some job seekers, on the other hand, have been known to have 50 and more target companies.

Second, it’s not what you know, it’s who you know. Sound familiar? Then you shouldn’t be surprised that our second recommendation is a list of people – family and friends, former co-workers, colleagues, vendors, etc. These are the people to whom you reach out for informational interviews or just simply to tell them that you’re looking and that you would appreciate any help they could offer.

Third, how about institutions? Schools and libraries are outstanding resources for all sorts of job search assistance. Schools – especially the community colleges – offer any variety of help, from job seeker groups, to resume and cover letter assistance to actual placement services. In addition they most likely have courses on a variety of skills that you may need to update.

Those same courses may be available at your local libraries. Libraries also have directories of companies as well as much valuable background information on those companies. Your local librarian may be your next best friend.

Lastly, you may want to take these various lists and go the extra yard. With your list as a starting point, you can begin to build a database which could very possibly prove to be invaluable to your job search.

Truth be told, that database can pay additional dividends down the road even after you’ve landed your next position. Those can be valued business contacts with your next employer.

More tips.