how to search jobs online

[stanley clement]

Following are some tips to keep in mind the next time you look
online.

1. Think big. It's wise to start your search by visiting large job
sites such as CareerBuilder.com because of the sheer number of
listings offered. In addition, employers of all sizes and in every
industry are apt to list their job openings on sites with strong brand
recognition. Checking out smaller niche Web pages can be helpful, but
if you're at a crossroads in your career or willing to relocate, the
big boards offer the widest view of what jobs are currently
available.

2. Scan the oldies but goodies. When visiting job boards, many job
hunters make the mistake of limiting their search to positions posted
in the last few days. A position posted one month ago might still be
open, especially if it requires hard-to-find skills. Plus, with most
job seekers focusing on recent postings, you may be competing with
fewer candidates. A dated job advertisement doesn't reflect the
quality of the company or the potential desirability of the position.

3. Visit recruiter sites. In addition to browsing the large boards,
visit the Web sites of recruiting firms that specialize in your field,
which maintain their own job postings. Some even offer detailed career
information and job search advice. The advantage of these sites is
that job seekers can conduct highly targeted searches and also connect
with a recruiter who can work on their behalf.

4. Go surfing. Job sites offer more than just listings. They also can
serve as a launching pad for other opportunities. For instance, you
may find an appealing job posting for which you are overqualified.
Though you're not right for this role, you now know the company is
hiring. Visit the prospective employer's Web site to see if there are
any additional openings. Send a resume and cover letter to the company
expressing your desire to be considered for future jobs.

5. Get social. Networking is one of the most effective ways of
locating new opportunities, and the Internet makes it easier than ever
to expand your web of contacts. Social networking sites such as
LinkedIn.com provide "virtual" opportunities to connect with other
professionals -- in your area or halfway across the world.
Participating in chat rooms and discussion forums, such as those
hosted by professional associations in your field or industry, also is
an excellent way to find about open positions.

6. Don't blast away. Most job sites enable users to apply for a
position with the simple click of the mouse. But don't blindly blast
your resume to every company you come across. Hiring managers seek
tailored resumes that directly tie a job seeker's unique skills and
abilities to the requirements of the position. Take the extra time and
effort to customize your application materials to each specific
opportunity.

7. Spell well. Completing employment applications online is convenient
but potentially costly if you're not careful. Be mindful of your
spelling and grammar when typing information directly onto online
forms. Typos are no less problematic on screen than on paper. In a
Robert Half International poll of employers, typos and grammatical
errors were cited as the most common mistakes job seekers make on
their resumes.

8. Tread carefully. There's a time and a place for everything. With
that old adage in mind, be careful of when and where you do your
online job hunting. Using your company's computer and Internet
connection to look for a new position is a bad idea. Employers have
the right to monitor the sites you visit and the e-mails you send. So,
resist the temptation to hunt for a new job at the office if you want
to keep the one you have for the time being.

9. Follow up! When job hunting online, it's critical that you follow
up with prospective employers after applying for a position. More than
a few resumes have gotten lost in cyberspace. If you've submitted your
application and haven't heard back from the company, make a call or
send an e-mail to verify that the resume was received and to reassert
your interest in the position. Don't worry; you're not going to annoy
the employer. Eighty-two percent of executives polled by our company
said job seekers should contact hiring managers within two weeks of
submitting application materials. While the Internet has
revolutionized the way job seekers connect with prospective employers,
an online job hunt shouldn't be the only strategy you use to find a
new position.

The best searches combine a variety of approaches, including exploring
the services offered by recruiting and staffing firms, touching base
with members of your professional network, and participating in
industry events where you can hobnob with hiring managers.