Michael Page | How to find companies to work for

When you’re on the job hunt, you may feel more inclined to focus on what you can offer employers—and how to sell yourself to them.

While that’s a valid concern, you shouldn’t let your own priorities take a backseat. Among the abundance of job search tips, one to consider adding to your arsenal is creating a list of target companies and the traits they have.

This strategy is especially helpful if your job search is starting to feel aimless. A list of target companies and their characteristics provides more direction, setting you on a path to securing your ideal role and employer. Keep reading to learn more about how to find companies to work for and, more importantly, the kind of organizations you want to work for.

Identify your must-haves

This is a can’t-skip step, as outlining your non-negotiables will streamline the entire process. When identifying your must-haves, some things to consider include:

Location: Have an ideal city in mind? Narrow your search to companies in your desired area.
Work arrangements: Do you want remote, hybrid, or in-person work? For example, some organizations follow a remote-first culture, while others have hybrid or fully in-person policies.
Company size & culture: Prefer being a big fish in a small pond or a small fish in a big pond? Collaborative or more independent work? Think about the type of environment you would thrive in.
Company product, service, and mission: Consider the purpose of the organization and the products or services they provide.

How do they align with your experience and preferences?

Create your list of target companies—and don’t be afraid to think big Once you have your non-negotiables nailed down, it’s time to start the research process.

For this exercise, it can be useful to start big. What organizations have you always wanted to work for? Maybe you’re a software engineer vying for a spot at the big tech companies, like Apple and Google. Or maybe you’re a finance professional hoping to work at Deloitte. You can further streamline your efforts by looking up your target employers’ competitors.

Then, find out which of these meet your must-haves. Do they have offices or headquarters located in your preferred location? Do they provide your desired work arrangements? If a company fails to meet one or two of your requirements, it can still be worth pursuing. Otherwise, it may not be worth much of your time.

Reach out to contacts

Now it’s time to get networking. Start easy by following your target companies on LinkedIn, which shows your interest and can make you more visible to recruiters. Then, find out who can help you get your foot in the door.

You’ll want to reach out to employees currently working at the organizations and ask if they would be open to a call to learn about their experience at the company or if they have any tips for applying. While ideally, this call results in a referral, the goal of networking is to build relationships and gain insights.

Pro tip: Consider reaching out to your existing contacts who may have previously worked at your desired organizations and can introduce you to a current employee.

Some networking tips include:

•    Contact employees in your field, past coworkers, and college alumni
•    Personalize your initial message
•    Ask for an informational interview to learn more about the organization (e.g., company culture, hiring process, open roles)
•    Offer a set of dates and times to reduce back-and-forth
•    Follow up with a thank-you and referral or recommendation request

Should you contact internal recruiters?

Reaching out to recruiters at the company can show you take initiative. However, keep in mind their inbox is likely full of job seekers with the same message. If you decide to go this route, try and make your outreach stand out and not necessarily require a response.

An example email to a recruiter could be:

“Hi, [recruiter’s name]! I’m an accounting professional exploring new opportunities and x company really seems to align with my goals, background, and values. I’ve connected with [contact’s name], who is currently on the accounting team and had great things to say about the organization.
I’ve attached my resume for consideration for any of your current or future open roles. If you have any questions, please let me know. Thanks!”

Work with external recruiters

Recruitment agencies work with companies across a range of industries to fill their open roles. Partnering with a recruiter during your job search can help you make connections with organizations that meet your standards.

At Michael Page, we’re in contact with hundreds of top employers. Browse our open roles or submit your resume, so you don’t miss your next career-defining opportunity.