The purpose of this article is to serve as an aid in helping job-seekers determine companies of interest; also, to provide a 4-step approach in how to gain employment with a desired organization.

Have you ever joined a company and once inside wondered what ever attracted you in the first place? What does it take to land a job with one of your most admired companies? Moreover, how do you identify companies that are best suited for you? Although, we encourage job-seekers to be open to the many possibilities that are out there, a "most sought-after" list doesn't hurt. With a bit of preliminary research and planning, landing a job with a favored company can become a reality.

Consider factors that are important to you (e.g., competitive pay, benefits package, work-life balance). You may find it helpful to draft a short list and identify these in order of significance. After having done so, you are ready to explore further. As you move forward, refer to your list to determine how companies measure up.

This section is a bit more detailed given the benefits of adequate research. Your research does not have to be entirely exhaustive but should be comprehensive. Pull from a variety of sources to ensure that you're getting both sides of the story (stakeholders and employees). Review corporate websites and/or company collateral: Is the company actively involved with initiatives important to you? What are its capabilities and core competencies? Also, refer to interactive tools such as message boards and Listservs. Finally, consider annual rankings (often provided by various magazines and online publications). You will find that these tools, when available, provide a more in-depth look into an organization. Consider the following resources (examples included):

• Corporate Websites/Collateral

Web addresses for most companies can be found by simply searching by name using a search engine such as Google or Yahoo!. Company collateral (i.e., brochures, fact sheets) can, in some cases, be obtained directly from the corporate site. If not, contact the company directly (generally HR or Marketing) and request that information be provided to you.

• Message Boards

Professional message boards are essentially discussions (even heated debates) from current and past employees that exist on a wide-variety of topics. These topics range from starting salaries to inner-office morale. Vault Message Board (www.vault.com) is one example of a high-traffic and resourceful site that provides dozens of company-specific message boards.

Example of Online Message Board:

Vault (http://www.valult.com/) -- Professional Message Board

• Listservs

Career-specific email lists also known as "Listservs" are tools that provide its members the opportunity to post suggestions or questions to a large number of people at the same time. Once a comment or question is sent, each person on the distribution list has the capability of receiving this message instantly. Listservs are often career-specific with contributors ranging from field experts to newcomers. Seeking out listserv members for recommendations, etc. can be worthwhile.

Examples of Career- and Topic-Specific Listservs:

University of Florida Listservs

(Additional listservs can be found through a simple internet search specifying the career and adding the term "listserv", e.g., accounting AND listserv)

• Rankings/Lists

Lists and rankings also provide great insight. For example, Working Mother Magazine (http://www.workingmother.com/) has several lists that rank companies in areas such as "family-friendly environments." Having worked in the past for a few of these so-named, "top-ranked" companies, I can tell you that promised perks are sometimes relative. For example, a company topping the "family-friendly" list generally has policies and/or programs in place that are believed to help enhance the work-life balance: These claims, however, may appear more straightforward on paper than what is actually so in the workplace. Managers and job demands play a large role in determining what is offered and how these offerings are delivered. Still, if promised, the company has an obligation to consider requests accordingly.

Examples of Online Lists & Magazines:

Fortune Magazine (http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/)

• 100 Best Companies to Work for
• America's Most Admired Companies
• 10 Best (and Worst) Managed Companies

Working Mother (www.workingmother.com)

• 100 Best Companies
• 100 Best Top 10
• 100 Best Hall of Fame
• Best Companies for Multicultural Women
• Best Small Companies

Black Enterprise (www.blackenterprise.com)

• The 40 Best Companies for Diversity

HispanicBusiness.com (www.hispanicbusiness.com)

• Top 50 Companies for Hispanics 2006

Forbes Magazine (www.forbes.com)

• America's 200 Best Small Companies

Washington Technology (Metro DC Area) (www.washingtontechnology.com)

• Top 100 Federal Prime Contractors
• Fast 50 Government Contractors
• Top 25 Small Business 8(a) Contractors

Friends/Family/Colleagues. Consulting with family and friends, as well as colleagues is recommended. In the case of current co-workers, use discretion; it's always better that news of you leaving comes directly from you. Keep in mind that Individual ideologies, cultures, and expectations tend to shape one's assessment. However, when joined with other findings, opinions carry weight.

Recruiters, HR Representatives, Hiring Mangers. The key is to set yourself apart form the dozens of other potential candidates. Speaking directly to an internal representative may not always be an option. However, if you have the opportunity to connect with someone inside the company or the company's agent, be prepared. Cite why you're interested and present the most compelling reasons (from the company's prospective) why this partnership will be advantageous. In addition, conveying enthusiasm often has positive results; enthusiasm often implies genuine interest, which translates to potential job loyalty and commitment. Finally yet importantly, have your updated cover letter and resume immediately available.

If an offer doesn't come today consider this only as an indication that your day is nearing. Check back with the company periodically. Phone calls and/or e-mail are both acceptable ways to maintain open lines of communication (note that e-mail is less effective without a previous introduction). Remember to be considerate of others' time---be brief and to-the point when stating your purpose for the contact. The last thing you want is to be considered a nuisance.

Also, remember to revisit the corporate website from time to time. Due diligence assists in keeping you knowledgeable and is necessary in recognizing what's best for you.

Throughout your process, it is important to keep an open mind. Job markets change everyday. The needs, growth, and capabilities of companies also change. Considering elements such as community involvement, diversity or corporate culture can be as significant as the company's recent awards and bottom-line figures. Landing a job with the "right" company can be decidedly less arduous applying an outlined approach. Our lofty or ambitious goals are what keep us motivated. Dare to dream and more importantly, take ownership in making your dreams reality.

By Quan Woodard

Interested in sharing your "real-life" experience in how you landed the "perfect" job? Share your story in the comments sections below.

Who we are: Alcove Resources LLC assists companies in selecting exceptional candidates to fill permanent positions. Our areas of concentration include information technology and information management opportunities. All positions are permanent (direct-hire) meaning that hired candidates are employees of the hiring company from day one.

We have earned a stellar reputation and are recognized for our integrity, professionalism and most of all, a proven ability to provide quality candidates! Contact us if you would like to learn of current opportunities or for assistance in attaining the job you desire!

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