ALT-2 Online Job Search Websites Guidelines
Online Job Search - Get the Most Bang for Your Baud....
If you look at the "Jobs" section in your local newspaper's classified section, you may think the number of jobs in your area is dwindling. If you are looking for a job elsewhere - even in the surrounding communities, you won't find much help in the newspaper. However, using a job search website you can find jobs not only in your locale, but across the state, across the country or across the world.
It isn't as simple as just submitting your resume and sitting back, waiting for your new employer to call. To land the right job, you need to find the right site(s), enter and maintain your experience and education details sometimes several times PER SITE, monitor the activity and modify your information if necessary.
SELECT THE WEBSITE(S)
Google "job search websites" and you will get a plethora of URLs claiming to be the best, along with sites giving you their Top 10. Monster.com and Careerbuilder.com are regularly on theses lists, but the differences between these two sites is vast. Not all search sites are created equal.
Monster advertises heavily on TV and in the press, and the effort pays off with more legitimate jobs (not just work-from-home 'opportunities'). The site is easy to use, they don't send a lot of emails without substance, and the results I got back have been close to the mark, and promising. In my job search, Careerbuilder has been less than helpful, almost the opposite of Monster, in my opinion.
Other sites to consider include:
- The Department of Labor sponsors jobbankinfo.org, which provides links to job banks in all 50 states, and links to information on hiring trends, salaries, relocation and self-assessment tests. Each state's page is different, and many require that you enter a social security number.
- USAJOBS.gov lists every government job available, across the world (the President's job isn't currently listed). Unlike many sites, the salaries are listed - some of the salaries are very enticing! And of course for some jobs, a security clearance is required.
- Another site you might consider is Indeed.com. No need to enter a resume - Indeed.com searches the other job sites for listings matching your keyword(s) and location. If you are having trouble finding your job title on other sites, Indeed.com can point you to the job search engines that have more of the jobs you are interested in.
Those are the top options, although there are many more available - I suggest trying Monster and Jobbankinfo.org first, then widening your selection if necessary.
ENTERING YOUR DETAILS
Before you start, if you don't have one already, get a second email account for your searches - this address will probably be the username for your site account. By using a separate account, you can just delete it you start getting SPAM as a result of your job hunting. It will also help you keep track of your job related mail, as opposed to all the other SPAM you might get. If you find a site or two you like, you can always change your contact information later.
There are three ways of entering your resume - cut-and-paste, uploading an existing document, and building online. Unless you are looking for an entry level position, use the upload if you have a good looking resume and use the build online option if your resume is small and/or can use some work.
Be aware that you will probably have to enter your information again, in an online form, to facilitate the site's own search capabilities. If you're flexible in your career options, you may even enter two or three different resumes, filling the the site forms again too. Plan on setting aside an afternoon or two for this project!
Give as much relevant information as you can, where available use a "Preview" option, and proofread you work several times.
MONITORING ACTIVITY/MODIFYING INFORMATION
When I posted my resume on Monster, I started getting email almost immediately, but it was obvious that either my resume wasn't specific enough or that it hadn't actually been read - they kept missing the bit about no degree! If you think potential employers are missing key details, modify your information to better highlight the areas that they seem to be overlooking.
Most sites, Monster included list the number of times your resume was viewed and saved, but don't wait for perspective employers to call you. You can and must do your own searches, send applications and track their progress, and create job search agents to automatically run your searches for you.
If you find you aren't getting enough action on your resume, try changing keywords, expanding your search parameters, (location in particular if possible) or try other sites - this is where Indeed.com can really help.
Some additional bits of advice:
- If a job sounds too good to be true, it probably is. I just found a job working from home making $50,000 or more in the first year (funnily enough, it's on Careerbuilder). If those jobs existed, 50% of the workforce would already be doing it, working happily from the dining room in their PJs and slippers.
- Real jobs don't make you pay them first!
- Don't pay for job search services. There is a LOT of free advice available to try first.
- Don't pay for resume services - at least not initially. Look at examples of other resumes and use the structure that you think presents your skills and education to the fullest. Use the library too - don't just limit yourself to the Internet. Have a friend look over your resume and cover letters for typos
- These sites allow you to create cover letters when you apply for a job. Tailor your letter(s) to the job you are applying for and address any special skills, experience or educational requirements mentioned in the listing.
Looking for a new job can be the start of an exciting new beginning or fraught with stress when you need something "RIGHT NOW!". Make good use of the resources on the internet, be prepared for a lot of hard work and good luck.
