Methods
Choose one of the effective methods below to jumpstart your employer target list.
AI Enhanced LAMP List
A LAMP List is a method devised by Steve Dalton (2020) to help students quickly identify target employers and create a focused and manageable list, making their networking and job search more efficient and effective.
Pro Tip 🪄: Remember that this list should be completed quickly (~ 2 hours). Though it may be tempting to conduct in-depth research on some companies, hold off until you’ve identified at least 40 potential employers and spend the most time on those that have high motivation scores and/or an advocate.
Use your genAI tool of choice to generate 40 companies in your role, industry, location, or other area of interest.
- Sample Prompt: List 40 companies that are currently hiring UX Designers in Seattle.
Create a table and list the companies from your search in column 1 using the template below at a guide.
Company Name | Industry | Location | Advocate (Yes/No) | Motivation Score (1-5) | Job Posting (Yes/No) | Link to Job Posting/ Company Site |
Sample: Blue Devil Co. | Sustainable Futures | Durham, NC | Yes | 5 | Yes | www.bluedevilco.com/careers123 |
- Check whether or not you have a connection to these companies through your current network.
- Search LinkedIn for connections at each company. Use filters like school, past employers, or job titles to optimize your search.
Give each company a 1–5 score based on your personal interest. AI can help by analyzing company values, mission statements, or culture.
Pro Tip 🪄: You can also feed your chosen AI tool with results from your CliftonStrengths, values assessments, and other priorities to see alignment
Confirm the company is currently hiring and has live postings that fit your goals.
Though this was likely part of your prompting, be sure the links are active and read job descriptions to ensure they fit your needs.
Scorecard Method
Develop a scorecard customized to your needs and preferences by which to measure potential employers
Start with a list of 5-10 target companies based on your interests, location, and industry preferences.
Pro Tip 🪄: Most Pratt masters students get their first roles at small or mid-size companies so we recommend reducing searches on large organizations simply because they’re first to mind or seem more desired
Identify key criteria to evaluate each employer. These might include:
- Company Reputation & Stability
- Role Fit & Technical Challenges
- Work Culture & Values
- Growth & Development Opportunities
- Location & Work Environment
- Compensation & Benefits
- Innovation & Technology Leadership
Use a table like the one below and assign a scoring scale (e.g., 1 to 5 or 1 to 10) for each criterion.
Company Name | Reputation | Role Fit | Culture | Growth | Location | Pay/Benefits | Innovation | Notes |
Example Corp | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | Strong tech team, good benefits |
Tech Inc | 5 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 5 | Recent investment in AI projects |
Gather data from company websites, LinkedIn pages, Glassdoor reviews, financial reports, and industry news. Fill in each criterion on your scorecard with scores and brief notes or evidence supporting your rating.
For each company, list:
- Strengths: What advantages does the employer have? (e.g., strong R&D, global presence)
- Weaknesses: What challenges or risks exist? (e.g., recent layoffs, slow innovation)
- Opportunities: What market or technology trends can the company leverage?
- Threats: What external factors could harm the company? (e.g., strong competitors, regulatory changes)
Use this SWOT summary to complement your scorecard scores and add deeper insight.
Compare total scores and SWOT insights to prioritize companies for applications and networking. Focus on employers that align with your career goals, strengths, values, and priorities.
Citations
Dalton, S. (2020). The 2-hour job search: Using technology to get the right job faster. Ten Speed Press.
Mind Tools Content Team. (n.d.). SWOT analysis: Discover new opportunities, manage and eliminate threats. Mind Tools. https://www.mindtools.com/amtbj63/swot-analysis
