"How can I find the best companies to work for?"

That's a question most job seekers ask almost daily.

It's hard to answer ... because it's the wrong question.

Here's the real issue beneath that question: "I don't want to have to think hard about finding the best companies to work for."

Admit it. You -- like me and all humans -- hate to think.

It takes time. You have to pick and choose. You might make a mistake. And it can give you a headache.

But unthinking behavior is a sure way to stay unemployed.

So, let's re-phrase the query, because a well-phrased question is half-answered.

If you've been job hunting for more than 4 weeks, ask this question instead: "What have I NOT been willing to do to find the best companies to work for?"

That's better. And easier to answer. In fact, here 4 things you can do TODAY to find the best employers to work for ...


1) Look at your connections on LinkedIn.

I mean really look. Pick 5 people you admire, view their profiles, and look for the following:

* Where do they work now? (Could you work there?)
* Where did they work before? (Could you work there?)
* Who are their clients? (Could you work there?)
* Who are their competitors? (Could you work there?)
* Who are their vendors? (Could you work there?)

Do this for 5, 10, or more people, and you'll surely find 5-20 prospective employers.


2) Make connections at your last employers.

Specifically, think about everyplace you've worked before. Now ask yourself the following questions:

* Could you work there again? (Could you work there again? Don't snicker -- getting re-hired happens every day.)
* Could you work for your former clients?
* Could you work for your former competitors?
* Could you work for your former vendors?


3) Find companies in the news.

Spend 15-20 minutes researching the Business section of your local newspaper, looking for fast, smart, growing companies. Can't find any? Consider moving (or looking harder).


4) Ask 5 people you admire.

I saved this for last, but it really ought to come first. Because, the more conversations you have, the more people will know about your job search -- and the faster you'll get hired.

So, ask the 5 most-connected people you know for advice.

Tip: Take them all out for coffee, bring a legal pad, take notes. In 30-45 minutes, you'll surely come away with answers that will shorten your job search. Total cost: Less than $30.

[Article by Kevin Donlin, Co-Creator of the Guerrilla Job Search System.

If you're in the job market and want to try something new, you can see Guerilla Job Search secrets caught on video and learn more here.

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An interesting article. How things have radically changed in the last 15 or so years. Institutions that have been around for 50,100,1000 years are being displaced. This article is from a paper in the UK so some of the terminology will be a bit non-Minnesotan: http://bit.ly/11TwID

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