Looking for a new gig? It can be tough out there, but there’s a smarter way to approach your job search. Instead of just sending out resumes blindly, try a more targeted approach. It’s all about understanding who you’re trying to reach and what they need.
Do Your Homework
Think of yourself as a marketer. You need to know your audience. Start by identifying the companies you’re really interested in. Consider things like:
- Location and commute
- Career growth opportunities
- The value you can bring to the organization
Once you have your list, narrow it down to the top five organizations. Then, pinpoint the specific departments you want to work in. The key is to really understand the people who work there.
Key Takeaways
- Research your target companies and departments.
- Identify key people within those departments.
- Understand their content and company focus.
- Use AI tools to analyze company data and identify themes.
Become a LinkedIn Detective
After you’ve identified the right departments, find the people working in them. This is where you get to hone your “stalker tendencies” – in a professional way, of course! See what they’re posting on LinkedIn, what articles they’re sharing, and what webinars they’re attending. Are you signed up for those webinars too? Are you reading their company newsletters?
Put AI to Work for You
Take those newsletters and company updates and feed them into an AI tool like ChatGPT. Ask it to identify key themes the company talks about, potential projects for the future, or even possible issues they might be facing. You can also look at their stock performance and analyze its trajectory to spot any bumps in the road.
This is how a pro uses AI – not just to tweak a resume, but to gather real insights. By inputting data, you let the AI extract learnings that are unique to you. It’s up to you to figure out how your skills can address those specific needs and bring value to the company.