A 7-Step Guide to Hiring the Right Company for the Career You Want

Written By Steph Guillen

Yes, you read the title right: you don’t have to approach a job search from the mindset of trying to find a company to hire you; instead, flip it around. You are a talented professional with a lot of value. You have needed skillsets, knowledge, and experience that an organization can benefit from. So, why not approach the job search from the perspective that you are looking for the right company to hire for your next career journey?

Approaching job search from this more empowering mindset means a shift in the way you approach your search. Rather than scouring the job boards, hoping to find a posting that sort of matches some of the things you’ve done in the past, come at it from a more mindful and targeted approach.

Here’s a guide to get you started.

1: Look at your skillsets, education, certifications, experiences, talents, etc. What are you good at? Make a written list and sort them into columns of hard skills versus soft skills.

2: Just because we’re good at something doesn’t mean we find joy in doing it. It doesn’t mean we should necessarily continue doing it. And, it doesn’t mean it will bring marketable value to an organization. Look at your list. Circle the top three most marketable things that you enjoy or that bring you the strongest sense of fulfillment from each column of hard and soft skills.

3: Now, give the six things some thought and research. Can they be applied to a variety of industries? Only specific industries? Are they recession-proof, pandemic-proof, and technology/artificial intelligence-proof? You can also use [https://www.onetonline.org] to help you research future trends.

4: Now, go to your local library and see if they offer free access to Data Axle Reference Solutions (formerly Reference USA). If they don’t, you can gain access as a non-Texas resident for a small fee through [Houston’s public library]. Once you gain access, follow this handy guide to search for organizations you’d feel passionate about working for. Don’t worry if those organizations don’t have posted job openings. Think companies, not jobs.

[Here’s the Data Axle Reference Solutions (formerly Reference USA) guide.]

5: Alternatively, you can do a Boolean search in Google to find organizations in your area (or, more broadly, if your target areas can be done remotely). If you’re unfamiliar with Boolean searches, here’s a great [overview].

6: Through Data Axle Reference Solutions or Google, come up with a list of 10-15 organizations you’d feel excited to be a part of. Based on your skillsets, figure out who would likely be your boss or your boss’s boss if you were to work there. Or, if you’re not sure, find any starter contact. Use LinkedIn to find them and send them a personalized connection request showing your passion for the company and highlighting your skillset. Start following the company. Repeat for each company that could be a prospective future employer.

7: Keep in touch with these new contacts every month and remind them of your passion for the organization and your marketable skill sets. You’ll be amazed at what opportunities begin presenting themselves!

Never approach a job search thinking that you’re like a beggar asking for a job. No! Being unemployed or in a position you want out of doesn’t diminish your skills, education, experiences, or value. For example, if your expertise is in commercial photography, you’re still a commercial photographer regardless of whether or not you’re currently being paid to do it. No one can take that away from you. Always remember your value and sell your skill sets as the valuable assets they are. You are the boss of your career journey.

#jobsearch #career #careerstories #tipsandtricks #success #motivation #beyourownboss

Steph Guillen

I’m an art therapy and counseling master’s degree program student, as well as an artist, writer, and program director with a strong background in communications, photography, art, and job search/employment strategies. I have a passion for uplifting marginalized communities through means that champion knowledge, growth, and empowerment. My professional history largely resides in working with unemployed mid-to-high level executives, refugees, immigrants, and newcomers from the Middle East. I’ve advocated for and empowered these communities through the mediums of online graphic communications, writing, education, workshops, program development, and art.

I combine skills in art, graphics, photography, writing, project management, content creation, social media, advocacy/awareness initiatives, program development, and research to make a positive impact.

Certificates in: Positive Psychology, The Science of Well-Being, Creative Writing, Therapeutic Art Life Coaching, Career Brand Management, and Social Media Marketing. Education in Graphic Communications Technology, Photography, Middle Eastern Studies, and International Relations. Pursuing a competitive M.A. program in Art Therapy & Counseling.

KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Graduated Summa Cum Laude with a B.A. in Middle Eastern Studies while working full-time.

• Nominated for membership in Pi Gamma Mu Honor Society, Sigma lota Rho Honor Society, and The Society for Collegiate Leadership & Achievement.

• Recipient of the Global Goodwill Ambassador’s Humanitarian Award in recognition of years of impactful volunteer work, primarily in the refugee and international arena.

• Inducted into the Golden Key International Society with a 4.0 GPA in Middle Eastern Studies.

• Invited and accepted into the following committees and board: YMCA International’s Refugee College Scholarship Committee five years in a row, YMCA International’s Triumph of the Human Spirit Art Selection Committee two years in a row, United Nations Association of Houston Board Member & Global Classroom Liaison, World Refugee Day-Houston’s Panel Committee and Fundraising Committee.

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