2: PREPARING FOR THE JOB SEARCH
When beginning your research, start gathering information on specific occupations, industries, individual companies and job availability in your area that interest you and align with your career goals. Your research will naturally become more specific as you gain momentum. Company websites, career information resources like CareerForceMN.com or CareerOneStop.org , and job search websites, also known as online job boards, are all good resources for discovering what experience, training and knowledge are required by employers. What should you look for? Study a company’s products or services, size, history, locations (especially in relationship to where you live or want to live), mission statement or philosophy and financial situation, as well as the potential for growth. Find out what changes the employer has undergone in the last five years. You can also try to find out about the company’s human resources policies and whether they align with what you are seeking. From flex time to the ability to work remotely, there are many variables outside of wage considerations that will affect your decisions. Finally, read local media stories about new or expanding businesses. Search for stories about plant expansions, new product rollouts and open house events in your area. A company’s plans to expand its workforce may show up in a press release or news story but not on an online job search website. Bringing up researched information during an interview can prove that you’re interested in more than just the salary offered. Companies not only appreciate that you found them through your research, but they are equally impressed when you display knowledge about their recent actions and important current topics within their industries.
15 Creative Job Search | CareerForceMN.com/CreativeJobSearch
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