Do Job Market Research

Before diving into job listings or salary reports, get clear on what you want. Ask yourself:

• What industries interest me most?

• What roles align with my strengths, values, and long-term goals?

• Where am I open to relocating—or do I want to work remotely?

Tools to try: 

➡️ VIA Character Strengths Survey – Identify your core personal strengths to guide your career direction.

➡️ O*Net Interest Profiler – Helps you decide what kind of careers align with your skills and interests.

➡️ Career Dreamer – Explore your possibilities with this AI powered tool from Google

📥 Download the Career Blueprint Worksheet

Focus your research by narrowing down sectors and organizations. Use filters like size, location, culture, mission, or leadership reputation.

Resources to explore:

➡️ Labor Market Insights – A customized tool from Kelley Career Services to help inform your career decision making. 

➡️ O*Net Online – leverages forecasts from the US Department of Labor to identify employment trends. Find, search, or browse across 900+ occupations based on your goals and needs. Then use comprehensive reports to learn about requirements, characteristics, and available opportunities for your selected occupation.

➡️ Vault by Firsthand – In-depth company profiles, rankings, and employee reviews.

➡️ LinkedIn’s Top Companies List – A curated list based on career growth opportunities, stability, and company culture.

➡️ Powderkeg – A listing of start-ups centered mainly in the Midwest (what they call the “Unvalley”).

➡️ B Lab – is a clearing house for B Corporation listing and resources. B Corps are for-profit companies that meet the highest standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.

➡️ American Opportunity Index – rates companies by how well they help employees move into better, high-paying jobs. 

➡️ GREAT PLACE TO WORK – Publishes listings of "Fortune 100 Best Places to Work For" and "Best Workplaces for Women," and many more. 

Explore what’s currently available in your areas of interest. This helps you assess demand, qualifications, and common requirements.

Search platforms (pick your favorite):

➡️ LinkedIn Jobs

➡️ We Work Remotely

➡️ WellFound – (formerly AngelList) includes opportunities for remote, start-ups and tech.

➡️ career.io

Benchmark your expectations with real data to understand what compensation packages look like in different industries and regions.

Salary research tools:

➡️ Glassdoor Salary Tool 

➡️ Payscale

➡️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) – Occupational outlooks, salary medians, and job growth projections

➡️ CNN Cost of Living Calculator

Reach out to professionals working in your target fields to validate your research and gain insights into daily realities.

Where to connect:

➡️ Indiana University Kelley School of Business Alumni Network on LinkedIn 

➡️ Kelley Alumni Network

➡️ Professional Associations – O*Net Online includes a listing of all registered professional associations in the US, which sometimes offer industry-specific job boards and networking opportunities.  

Keep up with market shifts and hiring trends by following thought leaders, industry news, and professional publications.

Recommended sources:

➡️ Harvard Business Review

➡️ Morning Brew – Business – A daily snapshot of business news and trends

➡️ McKinsey Insights – Articles on leadership, economic trends, and digital transformation

➡️ CareerOneStop - Public Library Finder – Check for subscriptions to newspaper and business journals in your local public library

After you’ve gathered enough data, organize your findings:

• Create a list of 10–15 companies to target (and take a look at their competitors, as well)

• Match your skills to the qualifications most in demand

• Set salary and location expectations based on real benchmarks

• Plan networking outreach and informational interviews

➡️ Pro tip: Use a spreadsheet, calendar or other tool to keep track of applications, contacts, and follow-ups.