Build Your Target Company List
Most job seekers only apply to roles they find on job boards. But studies show that up to 70% of jobs are never publicly posted. They are filled through referrals, internal promotions, and proactive outreach. Building a target company list lets you tap into this hidden job market and get ahead of the competition.
Most job seekers only apply to roles they find on job boards. But studies show that up to 70% of jobs are never publicly posted. They are filled through referrals, internal promotions, and proactive outreach. Building a target company list lets you tap into this hidden job market and get ahead of the competition.
Open a blank document or your job search tracker. Set a timer for your allotted time so you stay focused.
Complete these steps
Brainstorm freely Write down every company you would love to work for without filtering. Think about:
Companies whose products or services you use and love
Companies known as great places to work in your industry
Companies doing interesting or innovative work
Companies you have heard good things about from your network
Local companies in your city that align with your values
Add companies you have found in job postings Think back to any job postings you have come across recently that excited you. Add those companies to your list.
Search for companies by industry on LinkedIn Go to LinkedIn, click the search bar, click Companies, and filter by industry and location. Browse the results and add any that interest you.
Aim for 10-15 companies You don't need to research all of them today. Just get the names down. You will research them in Task 2.
Add them to a dedicated tab in your tracker Create a Company Research tab in your job search tracker with columns for: Company Name, Website, Careers Page URL, Open Roles, Key Contact, Notes.
Tips for success
Don't filter by whether they are currently hiring — companies create roles for the right person all the time
Include a mix of large companies and smaller ones — smaller companies often move faster and have more flexibility
Ask people in your network which companies they recommend in your field