Can hunting for a job be creative as well as rewarding? Certainly it can, with the advent of the Internet as a valuable job-hunting tool. Here's how to conduct an effective job search online writes Pavana Reddy.
Looking for a job may never be the same. With the rapid growth of the Internet, career related websites have mushroomed in recent years. These new services seem to be changing the very dynamics of the employment marketplace for job seekers as well as employers.
Trekking through the Internet's dense jungle of information can sometimes be a daunting endeavor. With so many opportunities floating around the World Wide Web, navigating this new frontier requires news skills and strategies, and finding your way could be difficult without a roadmap to guide you through this maze of opportunities.
Looking for a job over the internet involves not only writing an effective resume and cover letter, but also searching and applying online for available vacancies, researching companies online and follow up with their human resource executives. The major difference between going through this process in the convention manner as opposed to doing it online, is that the appearance and content of information sent through the Internet is different from that of a traditional job search. Communicating over the Web is different too. Hence, it is necessary to tailor the approach to your job search for the Internet.
Customising your resume
Essentially there are two types of resumes that are used for Internet job searches they are
- World Wide Web resumes that are published on WWW pages; and
- Text or email resumes which are simple text documents that are usually emailed or posted in resume databases, newsgroups and mailing lists.
Text or email resumes
The key necessities of preparing a simple text resume are,
- A text resume must be left justified and should contain no more than 70 characters per line. It should use a minimum of formatting, and no Tabs, or Bold or Italic fonts. This is so that, when sent by email, it is received in a neat and clear format and does not look incomprehensible.
- Text resumes are stored in resume databases. A good resume must be retrievable through keyword searches. To ensure that your text resume can be identified through searches, your resume must include keywords and phrases that describe your skills and areas of expertise such as ORACLE DBA, Java Programmer, System Analyst etc.
Web resume - A Web resume is similar to a traditional 'paper resume', but should be published on your personal Website so that it is always available to potential employers. The Web resume can be made more accessible by submitting its URL address to various Internet search engines such as Yahoo, Infoseek or Lycos etc.
Searching and applying for jobs Once you've have mastered the art of drawing up an impressive resume, the next step is to develop a strategy to search for a job on the Internet. The best places to search for job openings on the Internet are
- Internet search engines such as Yahoo, Lycos and Infoseek. Search engines are Web directories that index other Web pages. Once you decide on your search tool, decide on a particular way to phrase your search questions called a "query" or "search strategy" to locate specific information on the Internet. For instance, describe a specialized job you want to search for on the Web.
- Company Websites. If you have a specific set of companies in mind, then you can easily whittle down this list by visiting their Websites and reviewing their job openings. Compare their needs with your particular skills and specialties. Many companies allow you to apply online, and they often list the contact person to make it easy for you to follow up. You can then contact the HR executive directly, enclosing a cover letter and your resume.
- Specialized job Websites. There are umpteen Websites which specialised in providing an interface between job seekers, and employers. Generally, they offer free registration, following which seekers can post their resumes in their resume database which is accessed by employers. Usually they will also have a job database, where job openings are advertised by employers.
- Job seekers can find suitable jobs from the job databases using keyword searches. It is important to use a good mix of keywords pertaining to your area of specialisation while searching these databases.
- Newspaper classifieds online. The Web also enables individuals to access job listings in local, national and international newspapers. Some sites make it possible to search classified ads from the employment sections of over 30 newspapers.
Seven steps to an effective Internet job hunt.
1. Customise you resume for the Internet.
2. Ensure your resume provides accurate and up-to-date information about your work credentials and qualifications. If it is a Web resume record when you last updated it and remember to update it as and when you add to your qualifications or skill sets.
3. Search job databases, company web sites, and newspaper classifieds online regularly for job openings. Use search engines to browse the Internet looking for suitable openings. Shortlist good online career Websites, and companies which have suitable opportunities.
4. Register for a few online career Websites. Remember your user ids and passwords, or write them down for future reference. Post your resume in newsgroups pertaining to your area of specialisation and participate in their discussions to build contacts who can help you with your job search.
5. Be organised. Keep track of all online career Websites and companies where you have registered, posted your resume or filled in an application. Compile a list of companies with whom contact has been established, along with details of the contact person and future appointments.
6. Respond to enquiries promptly with clear and concise details to avoid any miscommunication. Keep a record of your correspondence with different companies, to avoid contradictions and conflicts.
7. Lastly, follow up with companies and recruiters. Stay ahead of the obsolescence curve; keep abreast with latest developments about industry news and trends.
Perseverance is the key to success
Searching for a job over the Internet does not replace conventional job-hunting; it complements it. Remember, if as a job seeker you not using the Internet, then you are missing out on many golden opportunities. As companies aim to hire people with good skills, they will not ignore the potential of the Internet as a recruiting medium especially as the Internet is the fastest growing technology of this century.
