Introduction
Employment opportunities are possible primarily because of business growth (creation of new jobs as a result of economic growth and development) and/or turnover (staff turnover in existing jobs). An important part of identifying these job opportunities is researching company names, addresses, phone numbers, product information, sales forecasts, industry growth trends, company operations and key personnel.
Set aside a portion of each day to conduct research activities and work toward one or all of the following research objectives:
Research objectives
1. Lists of target companies
An effective job search includes proactively finding companies that need your skills and expertise. Determine which companies meet your career goals and work to find the names of the decision makers. Use your connections to interact within the target companies and to meet with these decision makers. Here are some places to explore to develop a list of companies:
- Computer databases
- Industrial Directories
- Chambers of Commerce
- Regional Development Agencies
Exercise: Identification of Target Companies
This exercise is designed to help you identify potential companies where you would like to work.
Exercise: Job Evaluation Grid
This grid is a tool that will allow you to determine if job offers match your values, interests, skills and location.
2. Employment opportunities
The classifieds section of your newspaper is just one source, among many, of finding current job opportunities. Research will lead you to several other sources of job opportunities as well as important job opportunity websites. Here are some leads to find jobs:
- Babillards d'emplois
- Company websites
- Corporate social networks
- Job listings from college placement centers
- Job listings from professional organizations
3. Learn about the organization
You may prefer to work in small companies, or you may prefer to work in large companies; you may prefer a simple, relaxed work environment, or you may prefer a more formal, traditional environment. Research will help you discover the company’s culture, history and profitability. Here are some places to learn about organizations :
- Company websites
- Word of mouth; your network
- Company annual reports
- Corporate social networks
- Career pages on sites such as Glassdoor, LinkedIn and Indeed
Lines of questioning
Organizational culture determines how tasks are performed. It is defined as the beliefs, values, and behavioral norms that determine how work gets done. Organizational culture consists of nine characteristics.
How are decisions made? From the top? From a participatory approach? By consensus? Unilaterally?
How are problems solved? Slowly and calmly? Analytically? Intuitively? Quickly?
What information about the company is exchanged? In writing? Through conferences? Informally? Through the Arabic telephone?
What is the work rhythm? Regular? Predictable? Chaotic? Difficult? What is a normal work week?
To what extent are responsibilities delegated? To what extent is authority delegated?
What workplace behaviors are encouraged or discouraged? Risk taking? Creativity? Innovation? Analytical? Collaboration? Competitive?
What kinds of working relationships are expected within departments? And between departments, tasks, divisions, functional units? What are the relationships with customers and/or suppliers? Are they formal? Friendly? Informal? Hierarchical?
How do colleagues communicate with each other? Formally or informally? Spontaneous? According to guidelines? Cooperative? Conflictual?
Formal or informal, and at what level? Includes not only how people dress but also the environment and whether or not it lends itself to formality, communication, interaction, etc. Many companies accept sportswear daily instead of one day a week.
4. Getting ready
The more you know about a company, the better you will be able to meet the employer’s potential needs. Taking the time to research a company and demonstrate the knowledge you have gained will set you apart from other candidates.
Exercise: Creating an Ideal Job Description
This exercise will be useful to help you establish a description of the tasks that challenge you.