TECHNOLOGY CAREERS

Researching Target Employers

You’ve been reading about a local company’s expansion plans and would love to work for it. But after searching the firm’s website, you don’t find any job listings for IT professionals. So how do you go about getting a job there? 

Situations like this call for sharp research skills.

Your research abilities are key to any job search, but they are especially important when you’ve targeted a small list of potential employers. The good news is that, thanks to the Internet, it’s much easier to research companies today than in the past. Here are some strategies for success:

Search the company website. One of your first steps in searching for a job at a particular company is gathering information about the prospective employer from the organization’s website. While this may seem like an obvious suggestion, keep in mind that an in-depth search can yield valuable details that might not be immediately apparent. 

By reading the firm’s annual report, for example, you may find out that the company is considering opening new offices overseas. As a result, there’s a good chance the firm is in need of technology professionals to set up data and communication networks for these locations. Even if the organization has no posted job openings, a letter to the head of the IT department detailing your experience in supporting corporate expansion efforts could be worthwhile.

Read the business press. Local newspapers, major magazines and trade publications can give you candid insight into a company’s operations and employment needs. Consider a story outlining a firm’s rumored merger with a competitor. With so much uncertainty in the air, there may be a hiring freeze in place until the merger is either completed or deemed impractical.

Network online. Websites such as LinkedIn are excellent virtual meeting grounds for job seekers and recruiters. Joining an online network can connect you to peers from around the world and allow you to chat with contacts from the company you’re targeting. These professionals could suggest ways of securing an interview with the firm or put you in touch with a hiring manager there.

Connect with career sites. In addition to checking out online job boards, staffing firm websites are great places for developing job leads and finding out more about a company. These firms have deep networks and may even have a connection at the company for which you’d like to work. For example, the Robert Half Technology website (www.rht.com) offers access to job listings from our more than 100 locations worldwide. You can also use the website to register as a consultant with the staffing service. 

Conducting a thorough investigation before pursuing any employment opportunity means you’ll be well versed in the intricacies of the firm for which you’d like to work, helping you better target your resume and cover letter and stand out from other applicants. 

Robert Half Technology is a leading provider of IT professionals for initiatives ranging from web development and multiplatform systems integration to network security and technical support. The company has more than 100 locations worldwide. Search for jobs now or learn more at www.rht.com.