Last week’s answer

I was born in 1966 as Sound of Music, an audio retailer. Today, based in Minneapolis and employing some 80,000 people, I’m North America’s top retailer of consumer electronics, personal computers, entertainment software and appliances. I went public in 1985, and my shares have appreciated tenfold in the past decade. I boast more than 550 retail stores in 48 states and a busy online store. I’m opening about 60 stores per year as I grow. I also operate Future Shop and Magnolia Hi-Fi stores. I took in $21 billion in fiscal 2003. Who am I? (Answer: Best Buy)

Job-hunting tips

The sad truth is that many Americans are looking for work these days. It’s rarely a fun process, but we hope the tips below will help.

• Look for a good fit, not just any job. Think about what you like to do, what you’re good at, and what kinds of jobs and employers would suit you best. This might seem like a luxury when you really just need a salary again, but you might be able to land a better-fitting job more easily, as your genuine interest and skills should earn you extra points.
• Do your homework. Employers will likely interview a bunch of people for a job. You can stand out by demonstrating a good grasp of what the company actually does, its industry and competitors, and its strategy and challenges.
• Focus on people and connections as much as on your resume. Understand that job listings in the classifieds are not your best route. Talk to people you know (and the people they know) about where they work, and feel out any possible fits for yourself. Ask contacts to put in a good word for you when you apply to various companies.
• To get the job, do the job. If at all possible, demonstrate to the company that you have what they want. If you’re a salesperson, show how you would sell the company’s product. If you’re a marketer or strategic planner, outline how you would tackle one or more company initiatives. If you’re a Web designer, ask for a small project with which to show your skills, and turn it around quickly. If the manager can imagine you in the position, you’ll have a leg up on your competition.

For more tips and resources, read “Ask the Headhunter: Reinventing the Interview to Win the Job” by Nick Corcodilos (Plume, $15). Online, visit www.asktheheadhunter.com, www.wetfeet.com, www.monster.com, www.hotjobs.com and www.careerbuilder.com. Also, check out the Web sites of companies you’re interested in. They can teach you a lot about the firm, and you’ll often find job listings there.

A 138-year-old baby

Leading baby clothier Carter’s (NYSE: CRI) recently offered shares to the public for the first time via an initial public offering (IPO). With 27 million shares outstanding, the company sports a market capitalization around $800 million.

But while newly delivered, this is no baby. Well over a century in operation, Carter’s sells baby and young children’s clothing under the Tykes and Child of Mine brands in 159 of its own stores, in premium outlets, and in thousands of Wal-Marts and Targets. According to studies the company cites, a whopping 95 percent of mothers and grandmothers know the Carter’s name.

Carter’s registration statement SEC Form S-1 states that sales have grown by, on average, 10 percent annually over the past five years, with operating income up 21 percent per year, though various charges slowed net income growth. The top managers average 20 years in the business and own 6 percent of the company.

As a rule, IPOs occur when prices are most advantageous for management or when a company is most desperate for cash — not necessarily auspicious factors for investors. Generally, IPOs are financing events for a company, not opportunities for investors. It’s often best to steer clear and wait for the company to establish a solid track record.

Carter’s may be an exception, though. Not young and unproven, it’s leading its niche and is adding eight to 10 retail stores a year.