Taking your own kind of notes is a very important part of the process of establishing job targets for yourself. With a computer it is easy; just print out your selected lists along with relevant information. If you do not have a computer, use standard-size letter sheets to copy down pertinent company information. Your notes should be highly detailed and also include the names of people in charge of hiring (or at least those in positions higher than that which you seek). When dealing with a smaller organization of say, two hundred people or less, it is likely that the head of the company will know of any potential openings.
The result of your research will only be as good as your list. Spend time on it and be nice to it; it will be nice to you. Make sure that your list includes companies in which you are at least somewhat interested. If the size of your target is small you may choose to contact them in a cover letter with a follow-up phone call. If your targeted list is larger, this may not be as effective, and a direct mail campaign might prove a better route. Before you contact companies, try to find out as much about them as you can through search engines and various databases. This will make your cover letters more detailed and compelling to read.
Other sources of company information are all around you. When you go for an interview, observe the scene around you. What are the people like? How well do they seem to get along? What are they wearing or not wearing? Talk to people if you can, and you will get a feel of many things: the turnover rate and working conditions, just to name a few. Personal observations weigh heavy, and they are often under-utilized.
Above all, stay alert, determined and positive. You will win.
Related Reading:
“What Are Hard and Soft Skills?”
http://forums.families.com/jobs,f122