A high impact, and often missed, component of an effective job search involves two critical components:
- Identifying Your Targets: What type of role do you want to secure and where do these roles exist?
- Connecting With People Who Get You Closer to Your Targets: Who do you already know? Who could you meet?
Why are these steps helpful?
Using job boards is helpful, however, they present a snapshot in time. It demonstrates what happens to be posted right now and on the website you happen to be viewing. It does not represent all that exists, or that could exist in the near future.
Setting your targets is a strategic approach of focusing in on employers who employ the roles you desire, and subsequently building relationships within those companies or industries, which could become referrals or generate insights that make you a stronger candidate.
When to start?
Using this approach allows you to start early! Building relationships can take time, and doesn’t rely on openings that are available today. Reaching out for informational interviews with known connections or potential new connections should be done early and often. Building the relationship now allows you to circle back to your connections for advice or referrals when a job opening gets posted.
Tools for a targeted and connected search
Explore Outcomes For Previous Business Students for Top Employers
Explore LinkedIn To Identify What Companies Employ Rams in Your Interest Area
Explore the Handshake Employer Directory For Companies
Explore Job Boards Within Your Interest Area – focus on the company that is posting positions, not what is posted
Build Your Company List – this is a KEY step! Every student should have a list of at least 40 potential companies. This list will drive your networking and outreach!
Informational Interviewing – this is an easy way to build connections
Rams Connect – access of a directory of professionals and alumni who are eager to have one-time informational conversations with College of Business Students