Posts Tagged ‘job search websites’

Benefits Come from an Online Job Search

Sunday, November 8th, 2009

Many Americans would have never thought the economy would be in the state that it is in currently. We have heard of the Great Depression in history class, but to live in a recession seemed unlikely.

Bailouts seem like the norm and home foreclosures keep increasing. But there is one key difference between the economic troubles of today and the financial troubles of 1929: Americans didn’t have the luxury of an online job search or job websites during the Great Depression. (more…)

Job Search Engines Provide Vast Opportunity

Monday, November 2nd, 2009

Millions of Americans are loosing their jobs everyday. The economy is not booming like it has been in previous years.

It seems like America has been on a steady decline month after month. Congress talks about the improvements in the economy because of stimulus packages and bailouts, but houses are still being foreclosed and refrigerators are not as full as they usually are.

Thankfully, there are job search engines and job search websites to help ease the annoyance of layoffs and pay cuts. With these benefiting search tools, looking for a job seems to be a more attractive option. (more…)

Be Organized With Job Search Websites

Sunday, October 18th, 2009

Job search websites differ on many features, so it is important to pick the job search engines that you work most effectively and efficiently with.

You don’t want to be stuck at your computer trying to find the search field or suggested jobs to apply to or whatever while you are wasting precious time to apply for jobs.

Finding a job is a long and tedious process and job search websites can make it much easier or much harder for you. It is ok to use multiple job websites and I actually encourage it.

Different sites may offer to jobs or different kinds of jobs. I recommend writing down two to four job sites that you like using and rotate among them each day of the week.

That being said, it is important to record which jobs you are applying to and which site you applied from. This will help you to avoid applying for the same job more than once, thereby wasting precious time and looking unorganized to the employer, and it will also allow you to go back to the site to look up the exact listing for a job that you may have been invited to interview for.

As you can see, being overly organized and persistent with you job search is imperative for a successful search. Find a quiet spot in your house to apply for jobs and concentrate.

You should be armed with a pad of paper and a pen for note taking. Again, record the job you are applying for, the name of the company, the site from which you applied, the date on which you applied and any contact information that the listing offered.

Being organized in this manner will give you a definite advantage over those who aimlessly browse through sites, applying for jobs here or there and not putting the effort into the application process that is absolutely required to achieve success.

Yes, jotting down every move you make on the Internet when it comes to job hunting can be boring and tedious. But it works, bottom line. Don’t spin your wheels by applying for jobs in a half heartedly manner.

There is no point because the employer will not waste his/her reading an application that the applicant did not even care enough to construct properly.

Online Job Search Needs a Cover Letter

Friday, October 9th, 2009

An online job search can be a full-time job on its own. Anyone who has had to endure this frustrating and grueling procedure can certainly relate.

If you’re doing it right, an online job search should take place from nine to five, or for however long you last, everyday of the week. But to help you along your journey, here are some tips that I have discovered during my search.

To avoid spinning your wheels, you need to make sure that you are putting a full amount of effort into each job you’re applying for. Otherwise, there is no point of applying because your half-attempted application won’t even be considered if it doesn’t have all the components that is required.

For starters, every resume that you send out needs a cover letter, no matter how short. Even if the description doesn’t say it requires a cover letter, it is best to include one anyone. It is an opportunity to include more information about you, it is an easy way to make yourself stand out from those who did not include a cover letter and, if you’re using job search sites, it only takes a few extra minutes to include one.

It is ok to use the same cover letter for each job, but it only takes a couple extra minutes to personalize it. Insert the hiring manager’s name, if it is available, the company for which you are applying and the location of where you found the listing in your opening paragraph. This way it doesn’t seem like a generic cover letter and it says that you took the time and you are really interested in the position.

It is always good to keep different cover letters that speak directly to several different job descriptions. As you customize your original cover letter, simply save the ones that you like the best and that tell about different kinds of skills you possess that speak to different kinds of jobs.

This will save you a lot of time in the long run. Personally, I have at least ten different cover letters and most of the time I copied and pasted paragraphs from many different versions to create one that spoke to the specifications of a job description.

Yes, it may take some extra time to include a cover letter, but the benefits are invaluable, since employers know that the easier way to do an online job search is to just send out your PDF resume to every company you can find.

They know that those who just send in a generic PDF resume have not taken the time to research their company and apply to the job with their fullest efforts.

Getting Started on the Internet

Friday, September 18th, 2009

I happen to know quite a few people who aren’t exactly fond of web technology. Some are of an older age, and their generation just didn’t grow up the same way I did. They’re not familiar with the internet and all it has to offer. This, however, can pose obstacles if they’re trying to perform a job search. In this day and age, it is almost imperative to use job search websites in order to find a job.

For those internet rookies out there, I want you to know it’s really not that hard. Sure it might seem like a lot of information to take in at first, but once you get the hang of it, it will become extremely simple. And you’ll be thankful you jumped on the internet bandwagon once you see the results!

All you need to properly use job search websites are: a working email address, an electronic version of your resume and a basic knowledge on how to navigate the internet. Once you have this in place, finding a job should be easy.

First, if you don’t already have an email address, it’s simple and free to get one. Websites like Google, Yahoo! and Hotmail all offer free email for users. And once you set it up, start using it! Get used to it, send messages and open messages sent to you. Give out your address to your friends, and become acquainted with the system.

Next, make sure you have a copy of your resume in a Word document saved on your computer. That seems to be the universal method for emailing a resume. Employers mostly expect it to come in a Word or similar format.

Finally, if you want to start using job search websites, you’re going to have to familiarize yourself with the way they work. It’s really fairly easy to get the hang of, though. They usually have several search options. You can specify industry, job category, location, salary, full-time/part-time, and many others. You can even just type in keywords and see what comes up. If you have a very specific job title you’re searching for, this could be useful.

If you run into any problems or you are having any difficulty figuring any of these things out, most job websites have a help option. Or there are plenty of websites, such as this one, dedicated to helping job seekers along the way. Finding helpful information isn’t difficult at all.

Benefit from a Local Job Search

Tuesday, September 15th, 2009

One of the biggest complaints I hear from people who are dissatisfied with their current jobs is the commute or the location. And I can definitely relate. I drive a pretty lengthy distance to get to my job, and it’s not the most fun commute. It’s hard enough to find a decent-paying job, let alone a job that is convenient for you to get to!

I have plenty of friends and colleagues that travel more than an hour to and from work. That can be a drag, spending eight hours at the office and an additional two hours of your day spent on the road or on a train, bus, etc. It’s tiresome and ridiculously time-consuming. It can also become costly, if you’re driving a car and forced to fill your tank multiple times a week. It’s no surprise employees’ biggest complaint is commute-related.

So for you job seekers out there, how can you try to avoid this problem? Well the obvious answer is to try out a local job search. It sounds simple enough right? You want a job close to home, so find a job close to home! It’s easier said than done, but can be done a variety of ways.

First, if you’re already using some of the big search engines, they should have a distance search available. They try to make it easy for users to perform a local job search, so you can specify what distance you’re willing to travel. Unfortunately, if you live in a big city, those parameters can be a bit out of whack. And some employers aren’t always completely honest about their location, especially if they have offices in various cities.

You may also want to try websites that are based in your region. There are plenty of job search engines that specialize in one geographic area so job seekers can more easily do a local job search. And they are already familiar with the struggle of finding a job close to home, so their tools are tailored to fit your needs and preferences.

You may also want to go the old-fashioned route and check local newspapers and local job boards. Although print classifieds are not as common as they used to be, some local businesses still prefer to post jobs this way. And it doesn’t hurt to pick up the paper and browse.

Choosing a Job Site for You

Saturday, September 12th, 2009

There is a plethora of job search sites available on the web these days. It can almost be overwhelming. You definitely don’t want, and don’t have the time, to perform job searches and post your resume on all of them. So you have to choose which ones work best for you and your needs.

First, use your common sense. If you come across a site that you’ve never heard of, do some research before you progress any further. Obviously, there are the big names, and they are reputable. And perhaps there are some lesser-known job search sites that you’re interested in. Just be wary of the ones that appear out of nowhere, the ones you know absolutely nothing about, the ones that don’t even have much information posted on their home page.

You should also look into the site’s privacy statement. You don’t want to post any personal information on a site that doesn’t ensure your information will not be shared with anyone. And read these privacy policies very carefully! Some websites sell users’ personal information to sponsors and advertisers. And if you’re not a fan of spam mail, I suggest you stay as far away from these sites as possible.

Also, just think about your personal preferences. Is the site easy to navigate? Do the search criteria make sense? Does it even include the types of jobs you want? Some websites specialize in certain industries or only allow you to search certain areas. Make sure the site appeals to you and potential employers.

Along with that, you might want to see if the job listings are posted by employers themselves or agencies. For the most part, I think most job seekers prefer to find job listings that are posted by employers directly. But also remember that some employers prefer to work through agencies because they want keep the job search confidential. Just like you want your personal information safe, they do too.

Searching the Haystack, Find More Needles.

Thursday, August 27th, 2009

One of the most crucial times in an individual’s life comes when looking for employment.  Whether it’s their first job, they’re picking up the pieces after a recent loss, or an attempt to leapfrog a few rungs on the corporate ladder, searching for a new job can prove to be a daunting task indeed.  Coupled with the strain of our current economic affairs, people must be opportunistic with the resources available to them.

Job web sites should be a job seekers primary resource.  Today’s job market has seen an upsurge in the use of the internet to connect employers with potential employees.  As a result, a vast network of dedicated and comprehensive websites has been developed.  These sites are increasingly easy to use, comprehensive, and provide a wealth of information beyond the traditional classified ad.

The principal factor when considering the utility of job web sites is their ability to aggregate thousands of listings instantly.  These listings can come from all over the world and from industries across the board.  The best part is that the user can determine the criteria by which the search is made.  Looking for a job no further than 50 miles from your home?  Are your best skills involved in computer software development?  Looking for a job in the public sector?  All these conditions can be input at the initial search and the site will present you only with listings that match.  This can save the job hunter from pouring over literally thousands of listings to weed out the few they like.

In addition, based on the search filters one selects, the site is likely to come up with more listings than you can comfortably file through.  This is simplified by listing just the job title and a few key elements of the posting, such as salary, location, and a brief description of the work, so that the user can quickly scan over the list and further filter out the postings he or she is serious about.

It’s no surprise that websites have become the primary resource when it comes to finding a job.  With the ability to instantly aggregate and filter millions of job postings these sites have an enormous advantage over more traditional mediums.

Quick Tips for Navigating Job Websites.

Monday, August 24th, 2009

The fragility of our economic times dictates that more than ever in recent memory people are looking for employment, looking for more stable jobs, or just looking to increase their long term career possibilities. Thousands have turned to the internet in search of these increasingly hard to find positions. Just one look at the more than seventeen million search results for employment websites, coupled with the increasing pool of applicants and one soon recognizes the perils of an online job search.

How can the average job seeker navigate this turbulent sea? Here are three tips to consider when determining which of the thousands of employment websites you will use.

1.    User-interface. How easy is it for you to operate the site? Can you easily find what you are looking for? Do they provide a help section for frequently asked questions? Probably the single most important aspect of a job search site is its ability to communicate with users and direct them to the jobs they seek. You may have chosen the most employer saturated site on the web, but if you can’t use it then it’s worthless.

2.    Resources or Toolkit. Does the site offer tips on developing an engaging cover letter? How about resume customization or interview techniques? There is more to gaining employment than simply applying, especially today. One must distinguish themselves from the pack. This is done with thorough preparation and professionalism. A comprehensive toolkit shows that the site understands the employment process and is dedicated to assisting you to your goal.

3.    Scope. Does the site aggregate listings across industries nationwide or locally? Is it tailored specifically for certain industries or skills? While you may not know exactly what you are looking for when you begin your search you can be certain that you won’t find it if you are looking in the wrong place. Some sites target particular industries exclusively. You don’t want to be looking for work as a software analyst on a site dedicated to serving lawyers. Likewise, check to see if their listings are national or local. Remember many local companies will post on nationally aggregating sites to reach a greater applicant base. Don’t narrow your opportunities to a local search unless you must.

A Case for Job Hunting Online.

Friday, August 21st, 2009

No single medium can quite compare to the in depth skill-matching capabilities of modern job search websites. These sites have been developed to garner the most attention not only from the consumer but also from employers big and small.  With catchy names and promises of rejuvenating your career (and by extension, your life), these digital head hunters have made their way into the lexicon of our modern era.

What’s all the fuss? With the rise of internet connectivity across the nation, businesses have turned to this resource as a means of increasing their pool of candidates. This affords the employer the ability to scrutinize their applicants to the fullest, in turn choosing a better candidate and enhancing their workforce.

As more and more businesses began using such methods, a host of websites were developed to accommodate this phenomenon. Today a simple internet search will produce hundreds of sites guaranteeing their ability to find you the job you are looking for.  In fact, the sheer number of sites can be overwhelming yet there is hope among the myriad of online companies committed to facilitating your job search. Websites that target everyone from creative to technical industries, labor, education, public and private sector at every level of society; local, state, national, or international.

You may find a few specialty sites that focus specifically on a certain audience or industry, but these are going to be harder to find and if you are looking for such specialty work then chances are you are well adept at navigating your industry. The majority of sites are going to amass jobs from a wide range of industries, from employers large and small, and allow the user to filter their desired results.

Beyond the listings aggregate and filtering technologies utilized by today’s job websites, these companies have recognized the demand for high quality services like cover letter and resume customization, interview tips, and industry specs, which create a comprehensive job-hunting experience for their clientele.