Why a Job Search Plan is Essential, Part 2

by Stacey Minor on December 17th, 2010

Continuing our ongoing discussion on Why a Job Search Plan is Essential, let’s discuss the importance of Developing Target Companies and Contacts Lists.

Tired of browsing random employment ads?  Targeting Companies and key contacts is a sure way to take a proactive role in your job search. Targeted lists are key in maintaining focus and accountability in your search.  Also, you can identify potential employers that meet your professional standards and personal style. Developing a list of Contacts can help you to identify inside sources at the companies you target as well.

Your Target Companies and Contacts Lists would be the “who” you are marketing too! Develop a list of companies within industries that you feel would be great places for you to work. You can start this process by exploring Products and Services that you would like to work around or be a part of.

In addition, develop a list of people you know that could positively impact your search. This is how you tap into the “hidden job market.”  80% of your job search should focus on exploring the “hidden market” by networking with someone they know, or even taking the risk to network with someone they don’t know.   20% of your job search efforts should include reviewing advertised positions, such as Job Search Engines, and Newspaper Ads.

 

Networking gets your foot in the door.  Networking opens doors to informational interviews, which may lead to a Hidden Market job opportunity!

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Jennie

Student Employment Success - Project/Process Manager

My Career Services Manager was very friendly and helpful and had excellent follow-up. She seemed to really care how things were going and kept me moving in the right direction. The resources available in job search were great and the visibility that there were jobs out there looking for my skillset was promising. Additionally, the training, as well as having an updated resume stating the Microtrain course work I had taken made me feel more confident and marketable as I looked for employment. It showed that I was dedicated and took project management and process management seriously.

Robert Graf

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Microtrain presents the course material in an interesting and concise manner. Microtrain gives the student all the resources necessary to pass the certification exams. Both the Chicago and Lombard facilities were excellent, and the staff goes to any length to accommodate any student changes.

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Great class, loved the interaction and team-building exercises. Plenty of materials and learning tools supplied. Although it was a full week's class, never boring. Donna [Russell] was awesome and gave many supporting examples for better understanding.

Scott Wilson - Team Bradley

Employer Partner Feedback

Dawn has been a pleasure to work with. She is diligent in her efforts to give MicroTrain’s students the best opportunities to connect and network with various companies and players in the job market. The curriculums and certification programs are in line with today’s current IT needs. It’s good to see that they evolve with what employers are most seeking out there. I would recommend to any employer that hires skilled IT workers that they look into MicroTrain’s career services department as a potential source of candidates. The business of hiring can be quite costly, and Dawn and her staff provide a free service to outside companies. This value-add for MicroTrain’s students aligns with their mission in both training and job assistance to set up a win/win scenario for all involved.

D. Easter

PMP Certification Training, November 2008

Thanks Microtrain for conducting a great PMP course that set me on a successful path to obtain my PMP certification. I have passed the test!

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