Not All Online Job Search Sites Are Created Equal
There are many online job search sites available for job seekers. In fact there are so many of these websites available that users may be a little bit overwhelmed by the options available to them. They may find a variety of job search websites available to them but may be apprehensive about how to get started using these websites. They may also be unsure about whether or not they should just select one of these websites or they should use more than one of these websites. This article will provide some tips for users who are unsure about which online job search sites they should be using and how to use these sites.
One of the most popular job search sites around is Monster.com. This website not only provides the user with a power job search engine but allows the user to search for jobs based on keywords and location. Users can also store their resume in a database that can be viewed and searched by registered employers. The website also features a large number of articles to assist users in the job search process. Here users can learn about everything from how to search for a job to how to function once you obtain a job offer, accept the offer and enter the workplace. The site also has useful career tools which you can use to map out your career from your current title to your desired title.
TheLadders.com is another job search site which job seekers can use to find their ideal job. However, unlike other job search sites, TheLadders.com is not available to all Internet users. This site features job openings with starting salaries of at least $100,000. The site is geared towards professionals who have a significant amount of experience in their industry and are in a position where they can garner these types of salaries. The website is only open to user’s who earned more than $75,000 in the previous fiscal year. Users who are eligible to join this website are fortunate because they not only have access to a database of high paying jobs. There will also be less competition for these jobs than there will be with jobs posted on job search sites with open enrollment.
indeed.com is another job search website. Unlike Monster.com and TheLadders.com which offer additional resources for job seekers, indeed.com is strictly a search engine. Job seekers can use keywords and location to search for open positions for which they are qualified. There is not an advanced search feature which enables the user to limit the search results based on certain criteria. However, once the search results are generated they can be refined by a number of different criteria. This includes the estimated salary, the title, the company, the location and the job type. Also, unlike other job search sites, this website does not only have job advertisements posted by registered employers. It searches the Internet to bring the user results from many different sites.
Job seekers who are interested in federal jobs should consider using USAJobs.gov for their online job search. This site features all of the available federal job openings and users can search by title, keyword and location. Users can also apply for positions directly through the website. The site also features a wealth of information including resources for veterans, students and those with disabilities.
Networking Online to Find a Job
One of the best things the Internet does is enable people to connect. There are dating websites, retail websites, support forums, educational website, medical websites and a host of other websites which enable Internet users to interact with those who share a common interest. Likewise there are also websites which put those who share career interests in contact with each other. Through these websites Internet users can communicate with others in their own industry or in an industry they hope to break into. These websites are essentially the cocktail parties of our generation. However, users of these websites should exercise caution when using the Internet to network. This article will provide some useful tips for how to successfully network online for the purpose of finding a job.
One very important tip we can offer for networking online is to keep all communications professional. This is very important because Internet users never really know who they are going to encounter when networking online. Failing to maintain an air of professionalism while networking online can really negatively impact an Internet user’s chance of landing a job because they will not be taken seriously. Another reason why it is so important to avoid unprofessional behavior when networking online is it may be possible for potential employers to access these unprofessional communications for years to come. Unlike an inappropriate comment made at a cocktail party which may be forgotten over time online comments may be available for all to see for awhile to come.
Another tip for networking online for the purpose of finding a job is to cast a wide net. Internet users should not be afraid to reach out in as many ways as possible to network with those in the same career field. This does not mean you should register with every career networking website around and begin posting your contact information and career details with reckless abandon. However, it also does not mean you should be overly cautious and optimistic about the types of contacts you make. Obviously you should make efforts to network with those in your direct industry but you should also consider networking with those in related fields or fields which often work in close conjunction with members of your field. This is important because these individuals are likely doing the same type of networking and can put you in contact with influential people in your own industry.
It is also extremely important to avoid burning bridges when you are networking online. It may be tempting to cut ties with someone who has said something negative about you or someone who has offended you in some way. This can be tempting because the Internet is so expansive that you may think you will not likely encounter this person again. However, even though the Internet is enormous the size of your industry is a greater indication of whether or not you will encounter these individuals again. If you are in a relatively small industry it is very likely you will encounter this person again and again during the course of your career. It is also likely that you have common friends, acquaintances and even colleagues. For this reason you should avoid these types of relationship breaks.
When networking online you should always remember to avoid speaking negatively about your previous employers. This is a problem many job seekers make and it can really make a bad first impression on potential employers or on those who may be in a position to put you in connection with influential people in your industry.
Finally, those who are networking online for purposes of career advancement should be careful of networking websites which allow users to remain anonymous to a certain degree. This is important because it is possible you may encounter someone from your own company who is also networking online. This can be damaging to your career because if your company learns you are looking for a new job, it can negatively impact your job status.
Mistakes Made By Online Job Searchers
Learning from your mistakes is always a good idea because you do not want to go through life repeating the same mistakes over and over. An even better idea is to learn from the mistakes of others. This way you never actually have to go through the experience of making the mistakes but you gain the benefit of learning what not to do. Everyone makes mistakes but online job searchers seem to make a lot of them. This article will discuss some of the common mistakes made by online job searchers and provide advice on how you can avoid these blunders.
One of the most common mistakes made by online job searchers is rushing too quickly to apply for an open position. The nature of the Internet has created a society with very little patience. Search engines generate millions of results in a mere fraction of a second and Internet users have come to expect these types of high speed results. With just a few keystrokes you can generate listings for hundreds of job openings in your field and it can be very tempting to fire off your application at the same speed. Job seekers often make this mistake because they are afraid that if they do not apply quickly they will miss out on a great opportunity.
This is certainly a valid concern because there are some job advertisements which will only be posted for a day or two before being removed. However, rushing to apply and submitting a resume and cover letter than is sub par will just be as detrimental to your job search as not responding at all. In fact it can be even worse if you make a really bad impression that the employer remembers when you respond to future job advertisements. To avoid making this mistake always make sure the resume, cover letter and application materials you submit for a job opening will make a really positive first impression. Take care to carefully proofread and edit all documents to make sure they are free of errors and really highlight your skills and relevant work experience.
Another mistake many online job searchers make is relying on a generic resume. In this economy where unemployment rates are rising at alarming rates and there is intense competition for every job opening, you need to make sure your resume and cover letter really stand out against the competition. The way to do this is by examining the job advertisement very carefully to determine which skills are most important to the employer. With this in mind edit and format your resume to make sure your relevant experience is showcased to its best advantage. Consider using keywords similar to the ones the employer used in the job advertisement to make it clear you are an excellent candidate for the position.
Finally, one of the glaring mistakes many online job searchers make which can really cost them the chance of being selected for an interview is failing to follow the potential employer’s instructions. The employer may list specific requirements such as whether resumes should be included as an attachment or in the body of an email, where resumes should be sent and what to include in the subject line of the email. Job seekers who ignore these instructions are likely to be disqualified from consideration for the position immediately. In some cases the resume and cover letter may never even reach the hiring manager. By simply following the instructions for applying for a position you put yourself ahead of the competition before your resume is even reviewed.