Tips for Online Searching
Use these tips to search for jobs more effectively and increase your odds of getting hired:
- Choose Job Sites Carefully
Jobs are listed on thousands of different websites, so be selective about which ones you use. As a comprehensive search engine for jobs, Indeed.com will help you find specialized job boards or employer career sites that fit your interests. It will also save you time and steer you to jobs you won’t otherwise find.
- Refine Your Job Search
Search using keywords and add more terms to narrow your search. Don’t forget to specify your location; your zip code normally works fine. Most job sites also have an Advanced Job Search so you can narrow your results using, for example, a particular company name, job title, or commuting distance.
- Set up Email Job Alerts
Save your job searches to receive email job alerts including new jobs matching your criteria. Many sites also let you save any job search as an RSS feed. This will help you apply for jobs as soon as they are posted, making it more likely employers will notice you.
- Keep it Focused!
Only apply to jobs you are qualified for. Companies notice candidates with the skills and experience they’re looking for. If you don’t have these, your resume will be ignored.
- Watch Out for Scam Job Listings
Be careful if you see job listings promising quick and easy income, or requiring a fee or your social security number in order to apply - they’re likely to be scams. Beware the following warning signs of a fraudulent job posting:
- Requests for credit card information, bank card numbers or other personal financial information.
- A posting that appears to be from a familiar company, but the contact's email address does not match the domain used by other representatives of the company.
- Contact sends a check for you to deposit into your account, then asks you to subtract a percentage and wire transfer the rest of the funds.
- The contact's email address contains the domain @live.com.
- The position requires an initial investment, such as a payment by a wire service or courier.
- The posting includes many spelling and grammatical errors.
- Contact asks for verification, such as a driver's license or social security number.
- The position sounds more like an independent contractor opportunity than a traditional job.
- The position is for any of the following: Envelope stuffers, home based jobs, online surveys, etc.
- The job posting neglects job responsibilities and instead focuses on the amount of money to be made.
- The position indicates compensation that is in high excess to average pay for that position type or the salary range listed is very wide.
- Write a Customized Cover Letter
A well-written cover letter that is customized to the company or individual recipient shows you are serious. Try to show how your qualifications and experience relate to the company’s needs.
- Post Your Resume
Posting your resume to job boards helps companies find you online. Bear in mind that anyone may be able to see it, including your current employer. Most job sites give you the option of posting anonymously, although companies may then be less likely to contact you.
- Clean Up Your Act
Check your resume and cover letters for typos and grammatical errors. Use consistent font sizes and formatting in your resume. Potential employers may look at any online profile of yours, so keep them up-to-date and free of content that would embarrass you.
- Do Your Research
Spend time on the company’s website and learn as much as you can about the firm’s products and services. Read up on company news and trends in the industry – use sites like Wikipedia and ZoomInfo. Find out who is interviewing and Google their names to learn about them. If you know anyone who works at a company you are applying to, try to speak with them first for advice.
- Know Your Salary
Once companies are ready to make you an offer, they’re likely to discuss your salary needs. If you’re armed with objective salary information, you’ll be in a better position to negotiate.
