| You have your bright, shiny new resume. What are | | | | important to you? |
| you going to do with it? If your answer is, "look for | | | | · Need the company be "green?" |
| a job," consider this: You need to be looking for a | | | | Then, find out as much as you can about companies |
| company. | | | | and people in your industry. Match your values to the |
| When you look for a job, you're taking a chance that | | | | company and people you would be working with: |
| it's with a company that offers no advancement or | | | | · What are the opportunities for advancement? |
| chance to improve your skills. You may find a job | | | | · Do they demand 24/7 availability? |
| you love to do in a culture that doesn't fit you at all. | | | | · What is their training budget for your |
| You may enjoy the tasks of your job but find the | | | | department? Do they spend it? On training? |
| people impossible to work with. To avoid those | | | | · What is the turnover rate at the company? |
| pitfalls, don't answer ads for jobs. | | | | · What do employees at your career level say |
| Instead, determine the company and or person for | | | | about working there? |
| whom you'd like to work. | | | | · How often do they promote people from |
| Warning: This means homework. | | | | within? |
| First, decide what is important to you: | | | | · Do they have hiring programs for minorities |
| · Do you need a company to be family friendly? | | | | and women? |
| · Is your main goal a high salary? | | | | · What is their management style? |
| · Is diversity an issue? | | | | · How does the company perform compared |
| · Is skills development important? | | | | with its competitors? |
| · How much creativity do you need to be able | | | | When you've found your answers, compare them |
| to use? | | | | and decide which two or three companies rate |
| · How much do you want to be challenged? | | | | highest in matching your values and needs. Focus |
| · How much job security do you need? | | | | your search on these companies. |
| · Do you need recognition of your | | | | This homework also prepares you nicely for an |
| accomplishments? | | | | informational interview. (See How to Work a |
| · Are titles and status important? | | | | Resume). You'll be able to impress the hiring manager |
| · Is working with certain people or certain types | | | | with how much you already know about the |
| of people important to you? | | | | company, its culture and background. |
| · Is the size or reputation of the company | | | | |