There are a ton of resources for online job searches – here are five tips on getting the most out of them!
1. Use email job notification agents – many job boards will give you the option of conducting a search on a regular basis and having the results of those agents emailed to you (on Jobing.com we call them a Jobs-by-Email Agent). These emails are a great way to stay on top of what is available whether you are actively looking or if you just want to stay aware of your options.
2. Apply to jobs that you are truly qualified or interested in. It might be easy to submit your resume to many jobs that aren’t a very good fit. Resist the temptation. Recruiters are very busy people, and who knows – that same recruiter may have another position posted that is actually right for you – tomorrow! Applying to jobs indiscriminately sends a poor message about the focus of your search and the quality of your candidacy.
3. Research the companies you apply to and tailor your resumes/cover letters to fit them and the position you are applying to. There is no better way to impress a recruiter than to help them easily understand why you fit their culture and the job you are applying to. So read the job description carefully, visit the company website, read the company profile, watch their employment video – research pays off.
4. Use a variety of resources at first and find out what is working for you the best. After a while you will be able to tell which is the best resource for you in your location and field of interest – then you can budget your job search time accordingly.
5. Keep updating your resume. When searching for a job, I bet you notice how recently the position was posted – you might even filter your results to only view the freshest jobs around. Similarly, employers search through resume databases looking for candidates that have recently updated their information. Keeping your information current tells employers:
a. You are actively looking for new employment – now.
b. Your information: address, phone number, salary rate, and employment history are current and accurate.
c. You are ready to interview, and perhaps even start your new job on a reasonable timetable.
Whatever resources you use or advice you receive, remember there is no magic-bullet, no one single answer to finding the job you love. Your job search is a process that requires your passion, diligence and the flexibility to continue to improve your approach.
