The Denver Business Journal

Gang - two main tools you need for your job search:  LinkedIn + the Denver Business Journal (DBJ).  Kelly Stangel from the DBJ visited Smashcut today.  She literally sat down with us and demonstrated how almost every page of the DBJ can impact a job search - AMAZING.

Her examples were quick, easy, and practical.  I've been putting her off for about 3 months, because I couldn't justify the subscription cost.  I was WRONG - the DBJ is a one stop shop for open opportunities, leads, contacts, education, and market navigation. 
 

While managing your career search, focus on the three "C"s - competency, chemistry, and culture.  Submitting your resume online provides low to no ROI.  Resume readers (recruiters, HR folks, hiring managers) scan resumes to gauge your level of competency.  The two things that make or break a hire are chemistry and culture.  In order to create chemistry and determine whether or not a company maintains a culture fit for you, you need to do your research!  Here's how the DBJ can help you:

1.  CULTURE - Per Kelly, "companies featured in the DBJ typically see an +/- 18% growth rate over a 3 year period, with majority of the growth taking place within the first year and half."  The DBJ is the watch dog for Colorado, and it's articles spot-light companies who can provide longevity, stability, and innovation.  When you identify a company you can work for, use the DBJ as a resource to determine if you want to work there.

2.  CHEMISTRY - the DBJ frequently spot-lights high level decision makers in/around the Denver area.  Use the DBJ as a resource to identify (and connect with) high level exces who are on the front lines, working and winning in industries where you want to be.  (Review the "Briefcase" and "Newsmakers" sections in the DBJ to learn more about business activity in/around Denver)

3.  CALENDAR -  connecting with other unemployed folks is great when you need empathy and encouragement.  But when you need first hand information about an opportunity, it's always best to connect with busy and confident professionals who are working and winning.  Most DBJ issues feature and promote event calendars that will help you determine where you need to be!   (Example:  Biz Bash 2011 takes place April 28th.  Over 20 well known organizations are sponsoring, which means dozens of high profile execs will be available for a handshake, intros, and possibly quick face to face time.)  

You have everything to gain by becoming a DBJ reader!  So contact Kelly Stangel @ the DBJ, tell her Sarah Wells sent you and subscribe today!   

Kelly Stangel: kstangel@bizjournals.com