Libraries are invaluable resources. Hesburgh Library has vast collections of industrial reference books, periodical references, employment directories, and annual reports on a large number of corporations. Through library research, you can gain a historical perspective on an entire industry or a particular company. The more information you gather before writing a specific firm, the more targeted your letter can be toward that organization. As was previously mentioned, one of the largest tasks in developing an effective mail campaign is to identify the companies where your resume will be sent.
Libraries can act as an effective starting point.
To achieve your goal, you must also build a contact network by talking with people and asking them to refer you to others. There is nothing mysterious or difficult about establishing this network. Many people refrain from using it, however, because they feel this technique rarely produces positive results. Such is not the case. Simply draw up a list of people you know who could suggest a number of firms in the industry and geographic area in which you will concentrate your efforts.