“I’m in a new (or prolonged) job search, and I just don’t know how to figure out what companies I should be targeting?” Does that sound familiar? There are many answers to this questions, ranging from networking to driving distances. But today I want to quickly focus on a strong list of of firms that all job seekers should look into.In today’s economy, many of even the strongest companies of the Standard & Poors, DOW and other rating big-name lists are closing their doors, undergoing major restructuring, and being acquired. And they are laying off thousands of workers, with over 75,000 new layoffs announced just this week alone. So in these economically challenging times, where should a job seeker look to for an opportunity that won’t lead to another quick layoff?Of course, no firm can guarantee “no layoffs, ever” any more – even Microsoft and IBM announced layoffs this month. But, there still exist companies that take pride in keeping their employees happy, healthy, and a recognized key to their business strategies. The best way to find these kinds of firms is in the various annual “Best Companies To Work For” lists that many organizations put together each year. After some quick research, here is a list of several of these lists to help: Fortune Magazine – Best Companies To Work For (2009)Forbes Magazine – Best Companies (multiple lists) (2008) US News & World Report – Best Places To Work In (US) Federal Government (2007)Working Mother – Best 100 Companies To Work For (2008) Latina – Best Companies To Work For (2008) AARP – Best Employers For Workers Over 50 (2008)National Association for Working Women – Best Companies to Work For Executive Women (2008) OregonBusiness.com – Top 100 Companies To Work For in Oregon (2009)Best Companies To Work For In Texas (2008)Best Companies to Work For In Florida (2008) There are many more of these kinds of lists, by industry, state, city, and more. To help, here is an aggregated list of lists with even more resources for researching the various “Best Of” companies that are still working hard to take care of their hard working employees.If you know of others that you use and find helpful, please comment back!Thank you for reading and for your comments!Tweet this (https://tinyurl.com/b6ubwa). MarkMark Cummuta CIO Job Search: A Real Life Chronicle Related content opinion Congratulations to Mark Cummuta on His New Job! The job search strategies and tactics Mark shared via this blog helped him land his new role. By Meridith Levinson Jun 18, 2010 1 min Careers opinion Job Search: Four Ways to Stand Out in Today’s Market – Volunteering Last in a 4-post series on standing out as THE candidate employers need. Mark Cummuta explains how volunteering landed him a job By Mark Cummuta May 18, 2010 7 mins Careers opinion Job Search: Four Ways to Stand Out in Today’s Market – SEO Your Resume Part two of 3rd post in a four-post series on ways to differentiate yourself as THE candidate employers want. 3) SEO Your Resume By Mark Cummuta Apr 15, 2010 7 mins Careers opinion Job Search: Four Ways to Stand Out In Today’s Market – Your Resume The 3rd of a four-part series on ways to differentiate yourself as THE candidate employers are seeking. 3) Your Resume By Mark Cummuta Apr 14, 2010 6 mins Careers Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe