Job Search Tip: Finding Employer Targets

CPL David Muir — Mon, 04 Jan 2021 13:55:36 -0500

The job search can be a lot of work and an incredibly frustrating experience. Creating multiple resumes, responding to dozens to hundreds of openings on job boards and all too often there is very little response. This negative feedback loop can be demoralizing and create feelings of depression and anger. We recommend a paradigm shift, target specific employers.

Targeting employers means choosing the organizations you would want to work for and then marketing your skills to them. This method puts the job search in your control versus clicking Apply on a job posting and crossing your fingers in hopes of receiving a call about an interview.

Finding Employer Targets allow job seekers to control who they are reaching out to and ensuring that they are marketing to companies likely to hire someone with their skills set.

Where to find Employer Targets?

You can begin making a list on who you want to be on your Employer Targets with research. This will allow you to learn more about the companies you want to work for. Of course, you should research their website, but you can also research their blogs , press releases, media articles, and social media platforms.
And here are other ways you can find Employer Targets:

• Use search engines. Type your industry and location into a search engine and look through the companies that surface in your search. Then, review their website, careers page and LinkedIn presence. Search the employees of the company on LinkedIn and discover job titles of people who work for the organization.

• Research competitors. The competition can be Employer Targets too! Once you identify an organization that fits the definition of an Employer Target, make certain to check out their competitors. Think about it, if this company hires people like you than in all likelihood so do their competitors.

• Checkout Social Media. Conduct similar searches using social media tools to find Employer Targets. Search hashtags related to your industry or profession and see who is talking about opportunities.

• Look through job boards. Pay attention to the employers when you find a job description that interests you.

• Connect with the Chamber of Commerce. Making connections with your local Chamber of Commerce and asking what companies in the area service your particular industry of interest is also a great way to network.

• Don’t leave out the Better Business Bureau. The BBB may be able to provide you some information about companies in your industry of interest.

• Access networking groups. This group provides you access to people who are knowledgeable about particular industries and know the players operate within it.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Jan 4 at 2021 2:13 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Mon, 04 Jan 2021 14:13:13 -0500

Excellent advice! I would add to look for military units changing home locations. A geographical change, for example from East Coast to Southwest, will almost always generate civilian job vacancies. Civil service employees may choose to retire or resign rather than move. Their jobs will be open in the new location. Also contractors working for the organization may have similar problems with their employees not wanting to move. If you’re willing to work in the new location you may be able to get a civil service or contractor job.

Response by CW3 Michael Bodnar made Jan 4 at 2021 5:41 PM

CW3 Michael Bodnar — Mon, 04 Jan 2021 17:41:45 -0500

The problem with job searches is that your resume goes into a pool of thousands of other potential candidates. The question an perspective candidate needs to ask themselves is how does my resume stand out. What makes my experiences matter to a potential employer? Learning to write concisely and still get your points across is a challenge but it is doable.

Response by CPL Derrick Bryant made Jan 4 at 2021 10:31 PM

CPL Derrick Bryant — Mon, 04 Jan 2021 22:31:30 -0500

Very helpful, thanks.

Response by Cody Rauh made Jan 4 at 2021 11:42 PM

Cody Rauh — Mon, 04 Jan 2021 23:42:22 -0500

2 weeks back I sat in on a live-stream hosted by LinkedIn and the guest speaker was Johnny C. Taylor Jr. He is the CEO of SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management), and the topic was how employers "Ghosting" (where they just stop responding maybe even after making an offer to a candidate.)

What alarmed me when talking about this and the impact on morale, Mr. Taylor said, "When talent was hard to find, employees were doing the same to HR, so really YOU STARTED it."

I believe it is disappointing and an unfortunate way of excusing poor behavior as doling out corrective action in a blanket fashion to all candidates because the tables have turned, especially to many who never behaved in such fashion.

I am curious what your thoughts are on job seekers maintaining morale in an environment where professionalism seems to be in decline, especially from those who are inpart responsible for setting professional standards?

Especially when job seekers are targeting specific employers, and getting copy/paste responses of "Dear Applicant", back to tailored resumes/cover letters, etc.

Response by Wayne Soares made Jan 6 at 2021 9:04 PM

Wayne Soares — Wed, 06 Jan 2021 21:04:16 -0500

Thanks for the share david

Response by 1st Lt Padre Dave Poedel made Jan 7 at 2021 12:05 PM

1st Lt Padre Dave Poedel — Thu, 07 Jan 2021 12:05:25 -0500

The amazing thing about our world of work is that there is SO much information out there, but often no way to connect the veteran with the job. There is just no effective indexing mechanism on the internet.

Response by Felix Wander made Sep 19 at 2023 8:52 AM

Felix Wander — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 08:52:18 -0400

A few years back, I was living on the East Coast when a friend tipped me off about an opportunity in the Southwest. Turns out, there were quite a few civilian job openings due to the military base expansion. What's interesting is that the civilian service employees and contractors often faced challenges relocating, which created job openings for those of us willing to make the move. Has anyone here heard of African Recruitment Forms? They've been a game-changer for me in finding job opportunities across different sectors. Just search for https://www.afaho.net and you'll find their platform. It's been super helpful in my own job hunt. It's like a hidden treasure trove of opportunities!

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Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2024 12:00 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 12:00:53 -0400

When I needed a job, I decided to look for something in insurance because that's what I know best. I ensured my resume looked good and showed off my insurance skills.

I looked for insurance jobs in Tucson, AZ, where I live. I found many jobs on https://afnicareers.com/jobs/insurance-jobs-tucson-az that paid about $37,000 a year and were close to my house, which was great. They also had work hours that fit my schedule. I applied to all these jobs, making sure they knew why I'd be great for them.

It worked out well for me. I got an interview and landed a Bilingual Insurance Sales and service Trainer job. In this job, I supervise and train licensed property, casualty insurance sales and customer service agents in a call centre. My duties include watching over the team, spotting trends, coaching, and motivating.

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