Job Search Toolkit

Alumni - Job Search Toolkit - Market Research

Market Research

In-depth research - about your target industry, companies, roles, and your own suitability - is critical to a successful job search, particularly if you are making a switch or pivot. Such research gives you the clarity and conviction you need to yield positive results from your networking and interviewing.

  • Marketing Plans

    As you conduct your informational interviews and employer research, use your findings to build your marketing plan. A marketing plan outlines your objectives, your value proposition, and your target market. Your goal in developing a marketing plan is to ensure that there is enough opportunity in your target market and that you are a viable candidate for the positions you seek.

    The marketing plan should include:   

    • Sample roles that fit your objective.   
    • Your value proposition or positioning statement.    
    • A list of your competencies and traits relevant to the roles.   
    • A list of companies, segmented by industry or geography or both.

    Use this guide and sample to assist you:

    Guide to Developing a Marketing Plan

    Sample Marketing Plan

    If you are a Darden alum and would like a word version of these documents, please email us at alumnicareerservices@darden.virginia.edu.