Career Center - Looking for a job on the Internet

Looking for a job on the Internet?

If so, you are not alone-- the Internet has quickly become one of the most popular job search resources. As a link to the global universe, it has revolutionized the way prospective employees search for jobs. Still, it's not magic; the Internet will not automatically find a job for you. Like any other job-hunting strategy, using the Internet successfully requires effort.

Think Before You Act

The key to being successful using the Internet is knowing what you want and how to get it. Job-seekers should ask themselves some key questions before going online:

What do I want to do? What skills do I have and what are my interests? (Identifying general activities/tasks rather than job titles can be helpful.)
Who do I want to work for? What industry interests me? (Target specific companies if possible. Otherwise, consider whether you'd like to work for a Fortune 500 firm, high-tech company, startup, family-friendly company, etc.)
Where do I want to live? Is there a specific city, state, region or country that interests me? (Think about weather conditions, recreation and other things that are important to you.)

In addition, when looking at various sites, question the information you are viewing. Are the job listings current? Who runs the service? Is there a fee for use? Do you know anyone who has used the service in the past?

Don't Waste Your Time

Managing time online can be very important during the job search. Here are some tips to help you use your time wisely:

Begin your online job search by visiting large information databases. (Do this every few days; daily visits may be too frequent to turn up new information.)
Use links from the large information databases to take you to smaller sites where you can investigate specific employers or find networking contacts. Again, visit these sites every few days.
Use search engines to locate new resources specific to the job you want.

Realistically, your Internet job search strategies should be limited to about 25% of the total time used to look for a job. Don't neglect conventional job search strategies, such as:

On-campus interviewing and eRecruiting.
Perusing newspaper want ads and checking company web sites.
Conducting informational interviews.

One recent graduate unwisely spent all his time on the Internet looking for jobs; he was unemployed for six months. One day while talking with a friend, he learned about a job opening in his town that had been available for two months. He hadn't heard of the opening because it wasn't posted on the Internet.

The Internet is a tool, and like all tools, it is only as good as the skill and diligence of the user. Many new users of this technology become frustrated or overwhelmed by the size and constantly changing nature of Internet job search sites. But patience and dedication can pay big rewards when you find the job of your dreams.

E-Networking

Networking on the Internet can be very valuable in your job search. E-networking, which combines traditional networking with the power of the Internet, allows for the creation of a virtual community of contacts that provide critical information on job leads and industry trends. The following sites can help you in your e-networking efforts:

http://www.quintcareers.com/tips/Internet_job-hunting_tips.html

Sources for Job Leads:

http://wetfeet.com
http://hotjobs.yahoo.com
http://flipdog.monster.com
http://monsterTrak.com
http://cooljobs.com
http://internships.wetfeet.com
http://www.newspapersatoz.com
http://www.jobpostings.net - America's Student Job Site

Career Information:

There are several advantages to e-networking:

No need to pick up a telephone and speak to a stranger
Usually results in a quick response to your inquiry
Allows simplicity in managing a circle of new contacts
Most importantly, everyone with an email address is available to you.

Here are some guidelines to follow when using an e-network strategy:

Cast a wide net-- attempt to reach numerous contacts in different fields. You never know when a marketing executive might know the right person for you to contact in human resources.
Identify yourself and what you are trying to accomplish when you reach and e-network contact.
Be upfront and honest during all e-networking correspondence. Even though you may never meet face-to-face or even speak on the phone, these are still significant business contacts.
At all times, maintain a professional and respectful tone. Email tends to make individuals more casual in their communication with strangers, but do remember that you are trying to make a good impression.