Hey! Targeting your next boss doesn't mean putting a hit on the person you may report to.

But, if you learn how to target correctly, you can seriously ramp up your career plan and job search speed. Get significantly better results by avoiding the old-fashioned methods and learning the exciting strategy of "targeting."

The targeting strategy is done in two phases:

1. Identify organizations that match up with your personal employment interests and preference parameters:

geographical location preferences

company size

product or service preferences

business style or corporate culture

community and lifestyle considerations

2. Single out the appropriate hiring decision-maker within each organization of interest. You do this by researching

corporate literature

online information through Google

business journals and directories

Who"s Who listings

company"s website

community, non-profit and specialized websites

The purpose of this important research is to identify the names of specific decision-makers that you could be reporting to. The reason for this is that THESE are the folks who will be making a hiring decision about you . . . not Human Resources or Personnel managers.

You want to find the best way to approach that person directly. You may do that by making a personal phone call, or writing a letter or email directly to that person. Or, better still, get a personal introduction from someone who has access to your target.

In your communication do not ask for a job, but indicate your interest in the company because of some very specific contributions you can make based on your research. Indicate that you would like to follow up to see if a face-to-face meeting (not an interview) would be appropriate.

Like I said, the most powerful way to access the target is through people who might know him/her. For example, there are people in the community who are available to introduce you, e.g. religious leaders, neighbors, service and social club members, bankers, merchants, charitable and non-profit organizations, trade associations, Chamber e.g. Commerce, etc. Getting a personal introduction from someone who knows your target is golden.

Job search experts unanimously agree that word of mouth is by farr the most effective way to position yourself for a job offer. Sure, it's easeir to post your resume on some job sites. Or email your resume to a bucn of companies. Maybe even attend some job fairs or answer help wanted ands. But it's a crapshoot!

The best news of all is that with a proven career plan and job search system you can walk you through the process step-by-step. A carefully-crafted plan of action and turn you into a winner is a matter of days rather than waiting weeks or even months using old-fashioned methods.