Upgrade Your Job Search: Researching Companies and Industries

Learn how to search smarter - not just for jobs, but for the companies and industries that align with your goals. Discover how to find hidden opportunities and make your job search more intentional. 

In this episode, hosts Rebecca Harrington and Jordan Rembrecht flip the traditional job search strategy on its head. Instead of hunting for job titles, they explore how researching companies and industries can unlock hidden opportunities, help you build meaningful connections, and lead to more targeted applications. Whether you're a student, alum, or community member, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you Be Career Ready. 

Local to College of DuPage? Visit Chaps Get Hired to search for jobs.

🔍 Main Discussion Highlights 

• Why 70–80% of jobs are found through networking - not job boards 
• How to identify industries that align with your interests and skills 
• Using tools like O*NET and the Occupational Outlook Handbook to explore career paths 
• Search strategies to find companies by location, size, and focus 
• Building a list of target employers and tracking your outreach 
• Crafting thoughtful LinkedIn messages to initiate career conversations 

Tips for searching online for companies: 

• Search by industry + location. Try phrases like: 

“marketing firms near Naperville,” “manufacturing companies in DuPage County,” or “nonprofits in Chicago working with youth.” 

• Add size filters like “small business,” “startup,” or “Fortune 500” to refine your results. 
• Use quotation marks to find exact phrases (“graphic design agency”) or minus signs to remove results (e.g., “graphic design agency -freelance”). 
• Look at directories and associations. Industry groups often list members—like “Illinois Technology Association members” or “Chamber of Commerce directory.” 
• Use Map apps and LinkedIn Company Search to visually explore who’s in your area—you might be surprised how many opportunities exist close to home. 

📝 Pro Tip 

Instead of asking “Who’s hiring?”, ask “Who’s doing work I admire?” That mindset shift can lead to more fulfilling and aligned career opportunities. 

  #CareerReadyPodcast #CollegeOfDuPage #CODCareers #CareerTips #Internships #JobSearch #CollegeCareer #CareerReady #StudentSuccess #FindYourFit  

Listeners in the College of DuPage community can visit our website. All other listeners are encouraged to view the resources of their local community college, WIOA training programs, or other local support centers.

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