Choosing Where to Apply for a Job

How much do you pre-filter your job application responses? I was working with a woman who needs to get a new job. She was reviewing the various companies that had listed openings and after each one, she said some version of:

"I don't think I will apply there because I don't think I would want to work there."

Think back at all the jobs you have had. How right were your first impressions or thoughts about what it would be like to work there?

Here's a wee story about the funnest job I ever had - working for Black & Decker's distribution division (supporting all the locations in the US). I had a good job at a hotel corporation but was ready for something new. I was keeping an eye on the Sunday job ads (this predates the internet job search revolution) and saw an intriguing ad for a training manager. The ad did not state that the job was with Black & Decker, it was a blind ad. I sent in my resume, had a phone interview with the hiring manager, fell in love with the job and got hired.

Black & Decker ran the ad as a blind ad because they wanted to control the applicant flow - B&D had their HQ in the area and where regarded as a hot employer.

Interestingly, had the ad said the job was with Black & Decker, I probably would have said to myself, "I don't think I want to work for a tool manufacturer." Had that occurred, I would not have had what is still the funnest job experience of my career.

Here's the main point. It's the culture and the MANAGER that makes the greatest difference regarding whether you will enjoy a job. Apply to more places and focus on interviewing the hiring manager and others to determine if the job and environment is right for you.

I did a post back in 2005 on questions you can use to interview employers here.