Long before you send out your resume or telephone a networking contact, you should be well versed as to the ins and outs of the industry in which you wish to work. When performing industry research, ask yourself the following: What are the current demands of the field? What direction is the industry taking? What are the specialties or niches in the industry? What are some of the skills and qualities needed to be successful in this field? Once you find the answers to these questions, you can start your company research. Here, you should compile a list of 'target companies,' or companies where you would most like to work, and prioritize this list in order of preference. If there are no available positions advertised by your preferred companies, you can focus your efforts on uncovering 'hidden' opportunities at these organizations. To begin your efforts, consider all job search strategies and review resources: