If you are in the market for a job, it’s important to know the most effective way to search for a job.
Looking for job opportunities online offers you far reaching opportunities, which can be very helpful.
In this article we will discuss how to define your job search, seek out the best job search sites, refine your search, and avoid scams to make your job search more effective.
13 Effective Online Job Searching Tips
Read on for the best strategies to find the job that suits you best.
1. What are you looking for in a Job?
It’s a good idea to start by defining what it is you are looking for in a job.
Are you looking for stability, opportunity for advancement, relocation opportunities… every person will have their own needs when it comes to looking for jobs that are hiring.
Once you know what you are looking for, it will be much easier for you to find the perfect job for you.
2. Where are People Looking for Jobs?
You should consider looking for new job openings online.
One of the best tools available to you when you have taken on the title of job seeker is looking for a job online.
There are many excellent sites online that help you find a job, help you create the perfect resume, and provide all kinds of advice that can make your job searches much easier. People looking for jobs should take advantage of these sites.
3. Why Go Online to Access Job Postings?
- You can extend your reach much deeper into your local area or expand you reach.
- Define your job search market by area, distance, walking distance, etc.
- Online is a quick and effective way to search for job openings.
- Network and meet new people from within your profession, with your background, and your industry.
- Explore career options you might not otherwise see or consider.
4. Seek Out the Best Job Search Sites
There are tons of different job sites online.
It can be a bit overwhelming trying to determine, which sites are worth your while. It doesn’t have to be as difficult as you might think. The best online job sites are the ones that give you the connections, resources, and leads that work best for you.
To find a good starting point, talk to colleagues, professionals, friends that are in your field. They can help to point you in the right direction.
You can also ask some questions.
- What is it the site offers? Do they have networking groups, job listings, career guidance, a resume database, and potential employers?
- Do the job postings have posting dates? You don’t want to waste your time on old postings? Do they mark a position as filled?
- How often are the postings updated? You want current postings so you aren’t wasting your time.
- Who runs the website and services offered? Always read the “about us” page and the “contact information “ page to learn more. You want to make sure you are putting your information out there. Again you want to make sure that your efforts are going to legitimate sites where real jobs are posted, and where there is an opportunity to find real jobs.
- Is there a fee charged for the use of their services, and if so what is the cost?
5. Choose Job Search Sites Carefully
With thousands of different sites, be selective about the ones you decide to use. Indeed.com is one of the best job search engines – it can save you a great deal of time.
6. Find jobs that you are attracted to
Once you find job postings that fit your skills and experience you will have to look for jobs that you are attracted to.
Perhaps you like the company that’s offering it, or maybe you like the wages. Then again the benefits might appeal to you. When you are looking at job postings look for:
- Where is the job?
- What department is the job in?
- What is the job title?
- What does the job pay?
- Is there an opportunity to be promoted?
- What are the benefits?
- What is the pension plan?
- What are the vacation options?
With answers to these questions, you’ll be in a better position to decide if a job posting is really right for you, and if you truly are interested in it.
When you are looking at job ads make sure you keep all your options open, for the best results.
7. Refine Your Job Search
Use keywords and then narrow your search down by using a zip code, city, state, etc.
8. Set up Email Alerts
You can get email alerts directly from some of the job sites, and you can also have Google send you criteria for matching your job search.
9. Stay Focused
Don’t waste time on jobs you aren’t qualified for. Companies look only at resumes of those qualified, especially in this market.
10. Watch for Job Listings That are Scams
If you see job postings that sound too good to be true they likely are. Warning signs include promises to earn a quick income, a promise for earnings that out of line, a request to pay a fee, or asking for your social security number.
11. Write a Customized Cover Letter
Unless you want your resume to be bypassed, do not use a canned cover letter. Every job should have a customized cover letter giving the hiring manager a quick snapshot of what you can bring to the workforce.
12. Post Your Resume
When you post your resume on job boards it helps companies find you online.
13. Clean it Up
Make sure both your resume and cover letter use one font, have no spelling or grammar errors, and keep it polished. Lastly, make sure it’s up to date.
When you are looking for jobs it’s important to stand out in the crowd.
These tips can help you do just that whether you are looking for jobs online or looking for jobs the old fashion way.