Resume-Writing Secrets: Target Employers Using These Little-Known Tools

One major component of an effective job search is writing a resume that successfully targets the employer you’re applying with. This involves researching the employer’s goals for the position you want—as well as its overall mission as a company—to determine how you can make a difference.

There are a number of tools available that can help job seekers to research companies. Some common tools are the company website, the Google search engine, LinkedIn, and Twitter. But there are other options many seekers don’t know about. As you conduct your research, consider utilizing the following tools:

ZoomInfo

ZoomInfo is an open directory that can help you find information about more than 50 million business people and 5 million businesses. It’s a great free resource for acquiring company information (including revenue, number of employees, industry, and products and services) to help you fine-tune your resume.

Google Alerts

While you may be accustomed to conducting a Google search to learn about a company, many seekers overlook Google Alerts, which is a free service that sends news directly to your e-mail based on your search criteria. This is a great way to keep up with your target companies without actively searching for information.

Forbes Lists

Forbes magazine’s website offers various lists (forbes.com/lists) for readers to enjoy, including “400 Richest Americans” and “Top-Earning CEOs.” On the page is a category along the right-hand side panel labeled Companies, and under that title are lists that could help you target and better research companies—including “World’s Most Innovative Companies” and “America’s Best Small Companies.”

Fortune 500 List

CNN Money and Fortune magazine have teamed up to present an annual ranking of America’s largest companies (money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune500). This list offers another opportunity for you to not only target new employers but learn more specific details about companies as you write your resumes. You’ll find great details like company CEOs (with contact information), profits, revenues, assets, and market value.

Google Finance

Another great Google alternative is Google Finance. It offers up-to-the-minute financial news, company summaries, key statistics, market summaries and quotes, related company financials, and a stock screener that could provide you with amazing insight into the inner workings of your prospective employers.

Your Local Library

Many job seekers have grown accustomed to relying on the Internet to conduct research, forgetting that the library was the original location for acquiring limitless information on just about anything. Fortunately, the same is still true. You can visit your local library, take advantage of the librarians’ amazing research skills, and possibly acquire more information than you ever could online.

Targeting your resume is critical in showing a prospective employer that you are aware of its needs and have the prior experience necessary to meet and surpass the expectations it has set for its top candidates. By utilizing these little-known tools, you’ll acquire the background information you need to give the employer exactly what it’s looking for.

It’s important to remember to brand your resume before applying to each new position for more information on branding check out my recent article 5 Key Areas to Target When Branding Your Resume. You can also get additional job search and career related advice by checking out our blog or following us on Twitter @GreatResume.