30. September 2008 | Show Originial
Searching for jobs online is becoming the norm for most jobseekers. A lot of different companies offer sections on their Web sites that include the ability to fill-out resumes, cover letters and applications without having to lift a pen. The availability of job boards, such as those The Employment Guide® powers, have also gone a long way to make the Web a convenient and quick way to land a job. But how can you get the most out of your online job search?
Rule #1: Remember that just because you're applying online, it doesn't mean you should skip the resume or cover letter process. As our Job Seeker's Survival Guide says, "The method of delivery may be the internet, but the importance of the message is still the same."
Rule #2: Make sure your e-mail address is generically professional and does not contain anything that could be considered offensive. Example: "StanTheMan@hotmail.com" isn't nearly as impressive as "stan.winston@hotmail.com". When sending a full e-mail, be sure to include an eye-catching subject line, leaving out UPPERCASES. (How rude.) Some other things to watch out for: do not add graphics, bullet points, use large fonts, or add color.
Rule #3: Follow up! As soon as you've hit the send button, you should be dialing numbers on your phone. Ok, ok. Maybe not that quickly. But soon after, and if you want to really make an impression on the employer, follow-up with a hard copy of your cover letter and resume via snail-mail.
It's important to stand out as much as possible when carrying out your job search via the internet. You're likely to be one of many, so the more keywords and specifics you're able to include will help you out. For instance, instead of replying to a job posting with the number from the ad in your subject line, use the title of the position. Instead of "job #06718," say "experienced technician for supervisor position." If you've got the knowledge and time, create an online resume/portfolio site to direct the hiring employer to. However, keep in mind that if you use social networking sites like Myspace or Facebook, employers may search for you. Keep your profiles clean and void of pictures or information that may paint the wrong picture of you.
It's important, also, to beware of employment scams. Be wary of advertisements that try to obtain personal information, including your social security number, extend offers of employment without interviewing first, charge a start-up fee, require you to transfer funds, or are unable to give you a detailed description of the job duties you'll be performing. Check out our Search Smart page for more information.
For even more tips to help you through the job search, pick up a copy of The Employment Guide®'s Job Seeker's Survival Guide, or read it online at EmploymentGuide.com.
Rule #1: Remember that just because you're applying online, it doesn't mean you should skip the resume or cover letter process. As our Job Seeker's Survival Guide says, "The method of delivery may be the internet, but the importance of the message is still the same."
Rule #2: Make sure your e-mail address is generically professional and does not contain anything that could be considered offensive. Example: "StanTheMan@hotmail.com" isn't nearly as impressive as "stan.winston@hotmail.com". When sending a full e-mail, be sure to include an eye-catching subject line, leaving out UPPERCASES. (How rude.) Some other things to watch out for: do not add graphics, bullet points, use large fonts, or add color.
Rule #3: Follow up! As soon as you've hit the send button, you should be dialing numbers on your phone. Ok, ok. Maybe not that quickly. But soon after, and if you want to really make an impression on the employer, follow-up with a hard copy of your cover letter and resume via snail-mail.
It's important to stand out as much as possible when carrying out your job search via the internet. You're likely to be one of many, so the more keywords and specifics you're able to include will help you out. For instance, instead of replying to a job posting with the number from the ad in your subject line, use the title of the position. Instead of "job #06718," say "experienced technician for supervisor position." If you've got the knowledge and time, create an online resume/portfolio site to direct the hiring employer to. However, keep in mind that if you use social networking sites like Myspace or Facebook, employers may search for you. Keep your profiles clean and void of pictures or information that may paint the wrong picture of you.
It's important, also, to beware of employment scams. Be wary of advertisements that try to obtain personal information, including your social security number, extend offers of employment without interviewing first, charge a start-up fee, require you to transfer funds, or are unable to give you a detailed description of the job duties you'll be performing. Check out our Search Smart page for more information.
For even more tips to help you through the job search, pick up a copy of The Employment Guide®'s Job Seeker's Survival Guide, or read it online at EmploymentGuide.com.