Market Research and Networking Skills

Once you have identified some career options, your next step is to find out if these options are truly what you want and are viable in today's job market. In this phase of your career transition, you will learn research skills to find out more about an industry before jumping in headfirst. Once decided on the job and the industry you will learn how best to sleuth the job market and uncover that perfect opportunity.

• Networking
• Informational Interviewing
• Researching the Market
• Targeting
• Accessing the Job Market

Networking

Networking is the fastest way to find what you're looking for. At least 80% of jobs will be found through this avenue versus the formal job market such as ads and placement services. Even more in todays job market. Spend at least that much of your research and job search time networking versus scanning the paper. The first step to networking is to build your contact list and go after it. You will quickly see the vast resources that lay right in front of you on a daily basis.

Informational Interviewing

Informational interviewing is invaluable for learning about the market, jobs, and industries, as well as making key contacts leading to opportunities. You will learn the most effective approaches that will get you through the door, how to create agendas that get you what you need, and devise questions that bring illuminating answers.

Researching the Market

Conducting market research is essential for both learning about the market as well as showing up strong in interviews. You will learn where the most valuable research and information can be found.

Targeting

Once you have gathered enough information with regard to your options, you can focus in on and target that perfect job and industry. You will gain tools to assist you in this targeting phase.

Accessing the Job Market

There are essentially two entry points to the job market. Find out what they are and how to access them. Create a plan and follow it.