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Search for jobs by identifying a company
One piece of advice I share with all of my clients – don’t look for a job, look for a company. If you are looking only specifically for a job (focusing only on job boards or posted listings), you are missing out on potential opportunities that are never advertised. Seeking an organization and broadening your target will help you be more competitive in this environment.
Some recent research from the Michigan State University Collegiate Employment Research Institute, which conducts an annual survey, (as reported via CNN) suggests that:
“Large companies, those with more than 4,000 employees, plan to decrease hiring of all graduates by 3%, and medium-sized companies, those with between 500 and 4,000 employees, expect to lower hiring by 11%.
Smaller companies, however, may provide a bright spot in the job market for new graduates.
Employers with fewer than 500 staff members said they expect hiring at their companies to jump by 15%. These companies will hire 11 new graduates on average in 2010, and 8 of them will be at the bachelor’s level.“
So, it may be wise to stop looking only at large companies and to focus on smaller firms for opportunities.
I have many clients who identify organizations first. They say, “I want to work for a small company where I will be able to get involved in a lot of different areas.” Or they say, “I want to work for a large company with opportunity to be promoted.” Or, “I’d love to work for a large firm and be pigeon-holed into doing the same work day after day.” Except for that last one…
There are pros and cons to every type of job. I have a client who works for a small family firm. Her stories are exactly what one would expect based on stereotypes of small family firms…Uncle Bill comes in to do the taxes, Aunt Sue is hired to decorate the waiting area. Non-family members work at their own peril. At the same time, this client had the opportunity to take on responsibilities and hone skills she otherwise would not have had the chance to do had she worked at a larger firm.
Points to consider…
- Quick response time
- Decision making flexibility
- Personal attention
- Specialization opportunities
- Ability to change with the times
Salary.com offers these reasons to choose a small company:
- Improved work/life balance
- Less political
- Better company culture
Larger firms may offer better benefits (free lunch, anyone?), training opportunities and an HR department that prevents Uncle Jim from getting a job that someone else is more qualified to do. Although I was glib in noting that large firms may pigeon-hole their workers, it is also true that they may provide more opportunities for advancement from within or transfers from one office to another that would not be possible in a small firm.
Suite101.com notes these advantages of working for a large company:
- More resources
- Leadership potential
- Ability to specialize
- More job options
There are pros and cons to every choice, but it is interesting to consider: Are you a large company or small company worker?
Don’t forget that clear, concise, optimized job search materials AND a strong, well executed plan are key for job search success! I can help with every part of your job hunt! Need a great resume? Tips to use social networking? Interview coaching? If you need help mobilizing your networks and your job search plans, learn more about how I can help you! While you’re at it, don’t forget those social networks! Be sure to become a fan of Keppie Careers on Facebook…I’d be thrilled to have you as part of the community! Since we’re on the subject of doing something new…Are you on Twitter? Jump on and touch base with me @keppie_careers.
photo by Clif1066
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Nice post, Miriam. To help job seekers find the right company, especially to locate those who are hiring, they can visit http://www.LINKUP.com, the only job search engine that ONLY grabs jobs off company websites, never job boards.
Have a great 2010.
GLH
Perhaps the SINGLE biggest secret of the job hunt in today’s job market. Spot on!
Karen – Thanks!
GL – Thanks for stopping by! I always suggest LinkUp for clients’ online search needs!
You are definitely right about applying for a job even if you don’t have every qualification. I think most employers are realistic that they just aren’t going to find a perfect candidate
David
David Stillwagon´s last blog ..Jobs at the IRS