ONLINE JOB SEARCH GUIDE

Job Searching Online is the New Way to Look For Employment


More employers are putting job openings online, and more people are doing their job hunting online. Employers can reach a larger group of applicants by going online than they could advertising in newspapers or through employment offices. And with so many of us having access to the Internet, either in our own homes, at school or public places like libraries, it is no surprise that employers are now using the Internet as a tool to help them fill openings in their company. As with "real-life" job searching, there are recommended ways to go about job hunting online. You'll still need an up-to-date resume (several, actually), and you'll still need to present yourself in your very best light. Your interviews won't be conducted online, so other rules about presenting yourself at your best will apply here as well. Here are some ideas you can use to further your job search online.

Getting Started

It goes without saying that you should have an idea of the type of job you are looking for before you even begin. It will probably be one of the first things you are asked, and if you don't have a good answer, people will not be able to help you much. Make this your first step. If you need help, there are plenty of resources online to help you decide. Get support for your job search. Let friends, family, colleagues, school employment counselors--anyone you can think of--know that you are looking for a job. Collect information on the jobs that interest you, and be sure your resume is in order. If you don't already have your own email address, get one. There are plenty of places to get free email accounts, including Yahoo, Hotmail, and Mail.com.

Online Help For Your Job Search

We've pulled together some online sources to guide you in your quest for a new job. There are informational articles on some of these sites, as well as job openings, qualifications, and more.

  • Job-hunt.org is an online job search guide, helping you find work, including articles to guide you as you search.
  • Monster.com advertises itself as the biggest and most comprehensive internet job search engine on the web. They offer an extensive job/career search database.
  • Yahoo HotJobs: Search for jobs, post your resume, compare salaries and find career advice and research. Thousands of new jobs listed daily.
  • Jobster.com is another good site, they list thousands of opening in all areas.

I'm Ready to Start My Search, Now What?

It's been estimated that there are more than 80,000 job search sites online. You can't possibly use them all. Select a few that seem to have jobs you are interested in and qualified for. Read the article on job-hunt.com titled "Finding the Job Opportunities" for more ideas on searching. Read the one about choosing a job site as well. There are some phony sites out there, you only want to use the good ones. If you or your friends have not heard of the site, be wary. Follow up on the places you have left your online resume. Send your resume and cover letter to the company via the old-fashioned snail mail too, as a back up. With so much spam out there, many companies have set up filters to take care of the spam, but sometimes non-spam emails end up there too. After a reasonable length of time, check back with a phone call to be sure your resume was received, and to let them know you are still interested if the job is still open. Keep track of the places you've left your resume, and include contact information if you have heard back from one of the companies you have applied to, or have talked to someone in the firm. Remember to drop a thank-you note to anyone who has considered your application. That one small act may be what gets you the job.

Parting Thoughts

One thing that applies whether you are searching online or in person, is to learn as much as you can about the company you've applied to. Even if you have applied in person, they will more than likely have a web site you can look at for more information. Doing this extra research demonstrates to the potential employer that you are taking your job search seriously, and that you will probably make a good employee. When it comes to email, DO NOT USE YOUR PRESENT COMPANY'S EMAIL SYSTEM. It's tacky, and could cost you your present job if you are found out. Use a "normal" sounding email address. Now is not the time to use something like "smartypants@--" If you don't have a normal-sounding email address, get one. Use a good subject line too. Nothing that will attract spam filters, or make the reader think you're sending a joke. It's recommended that you use a signature line following your closing. This should give your name, perhaps your current job title, and email address.

Remember these tips and the ones you've found online, and you should have an advantage over many who do not know how to do an effective job search. Good luck!

Resource Index

Audio-Video-and-Cameras:
Plasma TV, LCD TV, MP3 Players, TIVO, Satellite TV, Dgitial Cameras, Digital Camcorders, Bose iPod Speakers, Multimedia Projectors, GPS, Blu-ray Disc

Computer and Accessories:
Choosing a Laptop Computer, Computer Memory Upgrade, Copying a Hard Drive, Dual Monitors, Networking Computers, Microsoft Office, PDA's, Cheap Ink/Toner, Color Laser Printers, Multifunction Printers, Scanners, USB Flash Drives, Wireless Printers, Dell computers, Wireless Routers, Wireless G Routers, Wireless N Routers, Laptop Carrying Cases

Computer and Video Games:
Age of Empires III, Battlefield 2

Entertainment:
Online Gambling, Poker, Routlette, Blackjack, Craps and other Online Games, Online Casinos, Movies, Online DVD Rentals, Home Theater Systems , Home Theater Components, HDTV, HDTV Buying Tips, HD Radio, Portable DVD Players, Magazine Subscriptions

Fun-Hobbies:
Tropical Fish, Aquariums, Scrapbooking, Rubber Stamping, Geneology, Geocaching, Soap Making, Candle Making

Legal:
Criminal Defense Attorneys, Tax Attorneys, Lemon Law Protection, Structured Settlements, Investment Fraud, Bankruptcy Attorneys, Personal Injury Attorneys, Family Law

CellPhones-and-Communication
Cell Phones, Cell Phone Carriers, Prepaid Cell Phone Plans, Cell Phone Ringtones, Headsets, VOIP, Cheap Long Distance, iPhone, Blackberry, Bluetooth Technology, SmartPhones

Jobs-Schooling
Online College Degrees, Business Degrees, Home Schooling, Drivers Education, Job Resumes, Online Job Search
Internet:
Cybercrime Prosecution, IE Security, Affordable Web Hosting, Web Hosting, Domain Name Registration, Search Engines, Web Site Design, Internet Mailing Lists, Blogging, Internet Serive Providers, Free Email, Clip Art

Finance and Insurance:
Auto Insurance, Car Insurance Quotes, RV Insurance, General Insurance, Travel Insurance, Business Insurance, Basic Guide to Consolidating Student Loans, Cash Advance Loans, Federal Student Loan Consolidation, Debt Consolidation, Debt Management, Credit Card Debt Consolidation, Free Credit Reports, Home Mortgages, Home Equity Loans, Mortgage Refinancing, Mortgage Rates, Mortgage Companies, Second Mortgages, Mortgage Brokers, Health Insurance, Insurance Quotes, Term life Insurance, Mortgage note buyer, Renter's Insurance, Household Budgeting

Home:
Home improvement, Outdoor Lighting, Kitchen Remodeling, Kitchen Countertops, Espresso Makers, Food Processors, Coffee Makers, Coffee Grinders, Slow Cookers, Popcorn makers, Blenders, Cutting Boards, Refrigerators, Freezers, Washers & Dryers, Bathroom Remodeling, Kitchen & Bathroom Faucets, Bathtubs, House Windows, Closet Organizers, Window Treatments, Hardwood Floors, Carpeting, Home Security, Water Heaters, Water Filters, Carbon Monoxide Detectors, Bamboo Flooring, Portable Air Conditioners, Dehumidifiers, Siding, House Cleaning Services, Home Organization, Vacuum Cleaners, Cannister Vacuum Cleaners, Handcheld Vacuum Cleaners, Upright Vacuum Cleaners, Stick Vacuum Cleaners, Wet-Dry Vacuum Cleaners, Furnaces, Fireplace Inserts, Electric Space Heaters, Pellet Stoves, Wood Stoves, Heat Pumps, Buying a used car



Business-Office-Supplies:
Discount Office Supplies, Home Office, Office Furniture, Copiers, Home Business, Business Cards, Business Brochures, Mailing List Companies, Affiliates, Franchises, Business Telephone Systems, Employment Agencies, Call Centers, Fax Machines
Health and Wellness:
Fioricet for Migraine Relief, Online Pharmacies, Phentermine for dieting, Tramadol for Chronic Pain Relief, Mesothelioma, Mesothelioma Lawyers, Acne Treatment, Contact Lenses, Drug Rehabilitation, Cerebral Palsy, Hair Loss, Hair Loss Products, Human Growth Hormones , Diet Pills, Treadmills, Fragrances, Reducing Cholesterol, Diabetes, Obesity, Arthritis, High Blood Pressure, Heart Disease, Acid reflux, Cialis, Understanding Depression, Unraveling Diet Plans, Erectile dysfunction, Lipitor, Sleep Loss, Viagra, Autism, Asperger Syndrome, Living With Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Seasonal Affective Disorder

Gifts:
Gift Ideas, Corporate Gifts, Gift Cards, Wristwatches, Replica Watches, Sunglasses, Wholesale Jewelry, Jewelry Boxes, Wedding Gifts, Food Gifts, Books, Music, Flowers, Gift Baskets, Candles & Candleholders, Chocolate & Candy

Sports:
Health Clubs, Home Gyms, Treadmills, Golf, Golf Vacations, Golf Schools, Golf Clubs, Fantasy Baseball, Fantasy Basketball

Travel:
Railroad Train Travel, Greyhound Bus Travel, Moving Guide, Rental Cars, Luxury Cruises, Maui Vacation, Spain Travel, Panama Cruise, Mexico Travel, Europe Travel, Disneyland Vacation, Disney World Vacation, Airline Tickets, Las Vegas Vacations, Las Vegas Sights, Las Vegas Entertainment, Las Vegas Dining, Lake Tahoe, Reno Vacations, Grand Canyon Vacation, Alaska Vacation, San Juan Island Vacation, Seattle Vacation, San Francisco Vacation, San Diego Vacation, SeaWorld Vacation, Yellowstone Park Vacation, Los Angeles Vacation, Bed & Breakfasts, Las Cruces New Mexico Vacation, Texas Hill Country Vacation, Columbia River Gorge Vacation, Albuquerque Vacation, New Mexico Vacation, Utah Vacation, Denver Vacation, Carlsbad Caverns, Branson, Missouri, Arizona Vacations, Jackson Wyoming, Skiing Wyoming, Skiing Oregon, Skiing Utah, Skiing Colorado, Skiing California, Skiing Washington State, Skiing Idaho

Yard-and-Garden:
Lawn Care, Patio Furniture, Hot Tubs & Spas, Gazebos, Fences, Decks, Barbeque Grills, Greenhouses, Patios, Sprinkler Systems, Landscape Design, Backyard Ponds, Bird Baths, Hedge Trimmers, String Trimmers, Wheelbarrows and Gardencarts, Lawn Mowers, Lawn Mowers, Lawn Care Tools, Lawn Edgers, Leaf Blowers, Now Blowers, Rakes