Research in Your Job Search...

Most of us know that the best way to get your foot in the door to interviewing opportunities is to identify the decision maker.

That can sometimes seem nearly impossible, especially when the vacancy announcement states "no phone calls" or gives a vague address, such as "Marketing Position/PO Box 1234."

Here are a few ways to track down the name, and impress your next employer with your research skills in the process.

Always be prepared to respond to salary questions!

Tracking down information shows you are resourceful and diligent. These are many of the qualities that today's employers seek in candidates.

• If the listing gives a fax number, go to Google or "Anywho" and punch in the number. See what comes up.
• Do the same for a P.O. Box.
• If the company name is listed, call the main number and ask the name of the department head for the department within which the position would be located. But, be careful not to let on you are a job seeker, or you will end up talking to human resources!
• Don't forget to ask how to correctly spell the name. While you're on the phone, ask for their email address. You can't "get" it if you don't "ask."
• Check out the company's website and see if they offer an "about us" section.
• Many times, companies are vague because they want to weed out the lazy applicants and avoid a million phone calls.
• Tracking down information shows you are resourceful and diligent. These are many of the qualities that today's employers seek in candidates.