With record levels of Americans facing unemployment, having a targeted job search is as important as ever. Because of the competition, many are pushing as hard and fast as they can to simply get their name out into their community. For some, the job search consists of distributing as many resumes in as many possible areas that can be developed from previous work and expertise. We do this because we think it gives us more exposure and a better chance at obtaining a job. Unfortunately, this is a mistake.

I often meet people and ask them what job they are targeting. Many go on and on about how they could do this job or that one, often giving me a laundry list of areas, expertise, and skill sets. Right away I know why they are still in the job market. It's pretty overwhelming for even me to hear them talk about it! But let's be clear. A targeted job search is essential in this difficult time. How can you leave an impression and build a networking relationship when you sound wishy-washy and without focus?   Here are three simple techniques to help you get focused and establish a targeted job search.

Targeted Job Search Technique #1 - Start With The End In Mind. 

What do you want to do? Don't know for sure? Take some time to list job titles of interest, then list them by priority. Look at a variety of job descriptions and get an idea of the "official" job title for the position you are targeting. Get specific and don't be too broad.  For example, the target cannot be an industry. It should be a position, with a set of job duties and a job title. What is the actual position? Is it found in small or large companies? Is it found in a certain area of the country? Answering these questions will help you find your target.

When you analyze your talents and skills, you may find you can be successful in several different lines of work. Research the types of positions that utilize your skills and talent. For example, Teri worked for a large automobile manufacturer in production. She was a third-generation worker there. She took pride in her work product and in working with her hands. While the writing was on the wall (an impending layoff), she could not imagine herself doing anything other than working at the plant as her other family members had. So when the inevitable happened, she was at a loss. She was angry at the situation, and also at herself for not thinking ahead and having another alternative in mind. So she began to think about what she liked to do, other things in life that made her happy, and the skills she could contribute to a job. She couldn't believe she was even thinking about this, but she kept coming back to the fact that she enjoyed baking cakes for special occasions. She was usually the "go to" person at the plant when someone needed a cake for a special occasion. Baking also spoke to how she worked in the plant - she took pride in it, liked working with her hands, and appreciated the craft. With this idea in mind, her next step was to seek out expert connections already in the bakery/pastry arena.

Targeted Job Search Technique #2 - Start Fact Finding With Experts For The Targeted Position.

Talk to experts you know. Ask your acquaintances whom they know in targeted businesses or targeted areas. The goal is to identify experts who work in the organizations where the targeted position can be found. Begin to connect with these individuals and set up informational meetings. 

In those information meetings, market how you work, not just what you've done. Find out how the experts believe an individual can be successful in the targeted position and measure that information against how you like to work. The experts may see your talent and skill fitting a different position, maybe even one that's at a higher level than you anticipated. For example, Mary didn't think about applying for a supervisor opening because she had never held that job title. However, her natural work style (mentoring employees plus her ease of prioritizing projects and tasks) definitely gave Mary skills that qualified her for a higher-level position. Here's what it boils down to for you: find out where you might fit via research and your identified experts.

Targeted Job Search Technique #3 - Don't Always "Go With The Flow."

Life can present unexpected opportunities. You may get a suggestion from an expert about a position you had never even considered. Take that information to heart and keep an open mind. Take time to stop and evaluate this opportunity. Would you enjoy the work? Can you imagine doing this long-term? Ultimately, find a position that can provide a positive change. When opportunities arise, welcome them. But think it through and know whether you are accepting the position because you're desperate or because it's the right job for you. If you're going to put in the time and effort to find the right fit, give consideration to every option that matches "how you work."

And when that opportunity presents itself - and it will - it's a good idea to take time and think through the opportunity, even sleeping on it overnight. Stay in charge of your career. Make sure you set the pace. Find the work/life balance that fits you by listening to what your mind and body tell you, and by using these targeted job search techniques. Use them to establish a sound, targeted job search that will give you focus and lead you to the career of your choice!