The more
you know about the company you want to work for, the better you can tailor your
resumes and cover letters to hit them right between the eyes. And the better
you’ll do in a job interview.
“Research
the company you are trying to seek employment with. Review their earning
statements and Web site. Gain an understanding of who their customers are and
what they want and need,” says Richard Schuttler, Ph.D., Associate Dean at the
University of Phoenix (www.phoenix.edu).
The more
extensively you research a company, the more intelligently you can approach
them with potential solutions to their problems. (Remember -- never think:
“Give me a job.” Think: “Here’s how I can help you.”)
You can
call your local library and ask to talk to the reference librarian for advice
on the best books and Web sites to use when researching target companies. Keep
in mind that most libraries have subscriptions to very valuable – and expensive
– research guides like www.hoovers.com but
you’ll never know until you call and ask!
Action Step: Is knowledge power? No. It’s potential power -- knowledge
will only help you find a job if you USE IT.
So
find out all you can about your target company, from online and offline
resources, including people who work there! Use your network to tap into
sources of corporate information, then use it to prove you’re the one to hire.
Compliments of David Perry and Kevin Donlin
Grab your Free Guerrilla Job Search Audio here.