How do you Research Job Openings?

[biboy2012]

I am curious about how jobseekers look for jobs today. I would like to invite everyone here to answer a simple survey. Those who want to take the survey please indicate the following information:

a. Position level
b. Current specialization
c. Current location

Thanks in advance for your participation.

[RCBeyette]

Is there a reason behind your question? As some people access the Cove through work where their internet usage can be observed, I believe that not everyone will be comfortable participating in this survey or provide their position/location.

[ckillam3]

Yes, I am always reading about companies in aerospace that come my way via logs, and enewsletters. I will research a company whether they advertise an opening or not. Elsmar Cove is one of the best sources.
a. Position level: Senior Quality Engineer
b. Current specialization: Aerospace Quality
c. Current location: NH, USA

[Wes Bucey]

A simple comment:
There is a difference in the minds of most folks between

1. scanning for "suspects" [job openings]
   OR
2. actually "researching" the suspects to determine whether to apply and [if choosing to apply] the details of whether to apply directly as an ad may indicate or to take the advice in this thread (Tips to get past the "gatekeeper" when job hunting) and try to avoid the gatekeepers

As I wrote in this thread about a "Skills Assessment Matrix"

Researching companies to identify targets is a lot harder than just running a search through Monster or Career Builder. The candidate has to dig to get the data he needs to make a valid decision on the organization's viability as a target that meets the candidate's wants and desires. Only then should the candidate start comparing his skill level against the organization's requirements.

Finally, he has to create a compelling presentation of why he [the candidate] is the ideal candidate to provide the value the organization needs.

As I have continually and consistently maintained here in the Cove for the last six or seven years, it is not easy research, but it is rewarding.

This list of threads about job hunting have been around for a while here in the Cove. The advice they provide is as pertinent as ever for job hunters to enjoy an efficient, effective job hunt.


Candidates:
Thinking about a New Job for New Year?

Resume and cover letter - How good are yours?

The Job Hunt - Care and feeding of references

Tips to get past the "gatekeeper" when job hunting

Consulting – Is it in YOUR Career Future?

Contracting/Temping - Viable Alternates in Tough Times

FWIW:
I don't think the current status of folks responding to your survey has any value for the survey, but I'd sure like to read your reasoning for asking for this additional data, especially since the survey answers are anonymous and can't be tied to the identity of a responder.

[ssz102]

talk about some experience with me

for green people, generally, the way of looking for job by job fair;

and have a little experience with people, they looking for job by online job site or instroduction with closest friends or prior to colleage

for enough experience people, most of them have a wide range interpersonal ralationship, so, in most situations, find a job instroduced by old employer or closest friends or previous colleage and so on

BYW, the situation of job for me as below
a. Position level: Quality Engineer
b. Current specialization: connector, cable and wire-harness
c. Current location: shenzhen, china

[biboy2012]

In Reply to Parent Post by RCBeyette

Is there a reason behind your question? As some people access the Cove through work where their internet usage can be observed, I believe that not everyone will be comfortable participating in this survey or provide their position/location.

I just want to see the trends of how jobseekers look for jobs today. My hypothesis is that lack of job opportunities or abundance of jobs available is influenced by one’s location and position/position level (e.g. fresh graduate, junior level, supervisor/specialist, manager/associate manager, director/VP, Top Management such as CEO, President, GM etc)

Once again, thank you for those who took their time to vote on this online survey. Please let me know if it didn't have an option that fits what you thought that resulted in abstaining from taking the poll. (Moderators may add poll options, if any)

[Wes Bucey]

In Reply to Parent Post by ssz102

talk about some experience with me

for green people, generally, the way of looking for job by job fair;

and have a little experience with people, they looking for job by online job site or instroduction with closest friends or prior to colleage

for enough experience people, most of them have a wide range interpersonal ralationship, so, in most situations, find a job instroduced by old employer or closest friends or previous colleage and so on

BYW, the situation of job for me as below
a. Position level: Quality Engineer
b. Current specialization: connector, cable and wire-harness
c. Current location: shenzhen, china

As I see it, the downside of job fairs is the inability to prepare individual resumes and pitches to target each/every potential employer at a fair UNLESS you are a complete beginner able to use a generic document because you are looking at entry level jobs.

Folks with experience need to research potential employer participants at job fairs and target a few which seem a good match. Once targets are chosen, prepare an individualized pitch for each target to set yourself apart from the "mob" of other applicants at the fair who are using a generic approach.

Above all, try not to appear to "beg" - focus on presenting the value you can offer to that employer.