This quote by Albert Einstein captures the essence of career research. In fact, if looking for work was easy and without the challenges it presents to us all, it would not take up the many terabytes of space on the Internet and be the subject of so many resources on companies and the market itself. In fact information technology specialists are looking for ways to store the many things we collect that we want to keep on our hard drives or somewhere in the Cloud!

In order to know what to do, who to talk to, what to say, how to say it, when to say it and what to say next we must do our due diligence and research! Otherwise we will find ourselves “lost in the pile” of general cover letters, resumes without attraction and interviews that do not produce offers. 

Of course, if you have all the answers, you may decide that you are beyond researching the labour market, the business activities of companies, the hidden job market, the profiles of decision makers and where you might fit best within your new career direction. My experience working with students looking for entry level work, new immigrants just learning about culture and the Canadian marketplace, professionals in career transition and even executives looking for their next gig…has proven job seekers do not have all the answers. So they need the results of research to help them focus and set a direction and successfully achieve their goals.

In my role as a career coach I have helped my clients leverage information for their own benefit. The difference between those who choose to do the research and those who don’t is like the variance of night and day. Research does so much for the job seeker that it takes them from an unknown gatherer of facts to a person of interest to those that have the power to hire. It is really quite incredible (one of my favourite words).

Why Research?

• Clarifying and focusing on industries, companies and jobs = this will produce focus and understanding of the industry, companies, positions and people you want to connect with during a strategic job search
• Building a Leads List = both a company and networking list could result from your research producing companies you truly want to work for and people that are connected to the companies and significant people that can help you reach your goal
• Targeted cover and approach letters = 80-90% of all cover letters are general in nature and could be given to any company just by changing company names. But when a cover letter references the business, values, goals and people that embody its culture – that candidates stands out Developing proposal
• Getting ready for interviews = when a candidate sits down in front of an interviewer with company research in hand the visual impact alone is significant. Then when asked, “Do you have any questions for us?”, and the candidate reveals their company knowledge with specific questions about the company, its business, customers, community involvement, industry prominence, recognition/ awards and their people – research leaves a strong impression
• Knowing your worth = when asked the question, “What are your salary expectations?”, and the candidate can truly say, “Due to my research I know the salary range is between X and Y and I believe my skills and experience place me in the middle of the range”, their value increases on the spot and they generate more interest from the interviewer
• And…there is so much more…if research is both appreciated and time is taken to actually do it

The door of opportunity between where you are now and future career success will be behind door number one! Grasp its handle firmly, push with all your efforts, ignore the ‘creeking hinges’ of the past and see for yourself what is on the other side. It is a room, with a view…of your tomorrow!

Good luck,

Russell Garrett

Certified Career Consultant