Your target employer list is a critical element of your job search plan. Having a target list provides a road map as you begin your employer research and outreach efforts. An employer target list can start with industry (e.g., Healthcare), a functional area (e.g., marketing), or specific companies (e.g., Yale New Haven Health).
💡 Tip! Aim for a list of 40 companies to start, then brainstorm as many alternatives as you can.
1. Generate Initial List
- How: Review the Yale Employer Directory and peer lists to see where Yaleies have worked. Scan business journals and industry professional associations. Browse job sites for exciting positions that mesh with your skills, interests, and values, and make note of the employers.
- Resources: Employer Directory, Yale Class Lists and Peer Networking Lists (Yale Career Link-Resources-Career Library), CareerShift, Yale CrossCampus, LinkedIn Alumni Page.
2. Find Contacts
- How: Find a person at each target company to personalize your outreach. Focus on alumni contacts. Seek out people in your network for referrals and suggestions.
- Resources: Employer Directory, Peer Networking Lists (Yale Career Link-Resources-Career Library), LinkedIn Alumni Page, CareerShift, Government Leadership Directory, family, friends, professional associations.
3. Develop Organization Insights
- How: Conduct research on key attributes to assess target companies. Consider: current postings, job function, location, training programs, growth potential, and company values.
- Resources: Internet, company websites, Career Insider, Candid.org, wsj.com, glassdoor.com
4. Rank Your List
- How: Rank targets by your set of criteria – “must-have” and “nice to have” attributes.
- Resources: Use a spreadsheet to organize your target list and ranking criteria.
💡 Tip! Create separate tabs for industry, function, and geographic lists.
5. Create Personal Marketing Materials
- How: Draft materials to support your outreach and prepare to personalize for each target. Resume, cover letter, LinkedIn profile, portfolio, email introduction, and LinkedIn invitation.
- Resources: OCS: Resumes, Cover Letters, LinkedIn Profile, Informational Interviews, Informational Interview Request Samples
💡 Tip! Personalization is key. Direct all correspondence to an individual.
6. Apply
- How: Market yourself to each of your target companies. Submit job applications, request informational interviews, attend events, follow organizations, and individuals on LinkedIn.
- Resources: Resume, Cover letter, LinkedIn Profile, Portfolio etc.
7. Track Progress and Follow Up
- How: Use a spreadsheet and update it with each action you take. Evaluate responses and refine the approach, target list, personal branding, and other elements. Follow-up after 7-10 business days.
💡 Tip! Create additional target lists, if appropriate. Repeat the steps
