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Job Search Links
General Resources:
Online Job Search Using
Job-Search Sites
Job-Search Links
Using Job-Search Sites
Job-search sites have become an essential
part of the employment-seeking process. They serve three major
functions:
- You can find job listings that match titles, industries,
salary ranges, and geographic locations. These can be updated
on a daily basis, and you can apply to them instantaneously
with e-mail or through other means listed on the job description
page.
- You can post your résumé online for prospective
employers around the world to see. By posting your résumé,
you may be considered for jobs that you never knew were
open. You can also specify if you do not want your name
and/or home contact information included.
- Job-search sites are sources of information. They
can provide résumé and cover letter tips, virtual
interviews, and information on employment trends, current
salaries, and training.
Step-by-Step
A typical job-search Web site, such
as monster.com, will ask you for specific information to search
its database and compile a list of available jobs for you.
- Opening page - Besides providing resources and
information, such as résumé help and salary data,
you will see the three main buttons that you will use the
most for your job search: Register, Search, and Post Résumé.
- Register - If you want to register as
a member, click "Register," and you can then
enter personal information to be a member and post your
résumé. Registration is not required, however,
to access job listings.
- Search Jobs - Click this button to begin
the process of finding job listings.
- Post Résumé - If you're a
member, you can post your résumé for employers
to access. Most companies and employers search a vast
number of résumés by looking for keywords
that describe candidates for their open positions. Be
sure to use industry-specific words in your résumé.
- Search Jobs - You've clicked "Search"
to get to some job listings. After all, that's why you're
here. The new Web page will appear with several windows
for your information. You can choose to search nationally,
by city and state, or you can "Select All." You
can choose one or more job categories or "Select All."
The "Keyword" window is useful to specify specific
job functions or titles. You can then choose to sort by
date of listing or relevance to your keywords. Click the
"Search" button and your job list will appear.
- Job List - This list gives the results of your
search, sorted by your preferences. Click the underlined
job title, and a more detailed description and requirements
of that job will appear with contact information. On the
Job List, you'll also see the name of the company offering
the position. Often, you can click this name and go directly
to the company Web site to find out more about that employer.
- Detailed Job Description - When you've clicked
the job title on the Job List, besides seeing the description,
you will also see at the bottom of the page a hot link to
"APPLY NOW." When you click this, you have the
option of sending your monster.com-registered résumé
directly to that employer, along with a cover letter function.
This can save you time, supplies, and confusion, because
monster.com or whatever job-search site you use will usually
keep a record of your submissions. However, if you prefer
to submit your résumé via your personal e-mail,
fax, or snail mail, you will have those options as well.
- Back to Listing - If you don't find what you're
looking for, you can always go back to the original Job
List or start over again with a new search.
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Online Job-Search Strategies
Looking for jobs online doesn't necessarily
mean that you're going to be hired as fast as your DSL connection.
To make the best use of job-search Web sites, consider the
following:
- Make sure your résumé is formatted simply
and correctly. Most job-search Web sites ask users to
cut and paste their résumés into online forms.
What looks great on your computer screen may look like junk
in a text box. Cutting and pasting text files with no special
codes, formatting, or fonts.
- Use effective words, simple formatting, action verbs,
and hot industry keywords in your résumé.
Although you have access to more job postings than you've
ever considered, so do other people who are looking for
new employment. You are competing against people from all
over the world for jobs. Make your résumé stand
out.
- Use more than one job-search Web site. In addition
to each site having different positions posted, many specialize
in geographic location, industry types, college alumni,
and so on. Find out which sites are best suited to your
search and your interests before you settle on an online
job-search routine. See the Job-Search Links list
below to find other job-search sites.
- Follow up. You're not done when you apply for a
job online. Employers may be flooded with e-mail applications.
You may have to follow up by fax, telephone, traditional
mail, or via any other contact information that is provided.
When appropriate, applying for a job online can work well
when you back it up with correspondence either in person,
in print, or on the telephone.
Remember that there are many jobs that
will not be listed online or in newspapers. In addition to
your online search, take advantage of networking, observing,
and other methods that will improve your chances of getting
the job you want.
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Job-Search Links
Below is a selection of the many job search
sites currently available on the Internet. Sites such as these
offer databases of open positions in specific fields, as well
as information about résumés, career advice, and
recruiting practices. Click the hyperlinks below to access
the site of your choice.
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