The world wide web can be an effective tool for job hunters, allowing the search and exchange of valuable information at the click of a mouse. Many recruiters now rely on online resumes and cover letters as the first step of filtering candidates. To help you with your online job search, jobpostings career expert Sue Ross shares her secrets that are sure to get you noticed... and a job.
 
The first key step in an online job search is knowing where to look. Without a targeted search you may be surfing the net hours on end without finding any prospective employment possibilities. For a general job search, there are plenty of big job sites out there - including this one. Craigslist is an option if you're okay with wading through spam to find a few treasures. For those of you who prefer industry specific job sites there are many niche sites out there for targeted searches. “Try a google search for your specific niche and you can find job boards in your area of interest and geography,” suggests Ross.
 
Ross believes there are several advantages to online job-hunting, especially if you are just trying to get your resume out there. To save time, start with a generic resume that you can slightly modify depending on the job description. “Students get more access to online information now than ever before. They can research and tailor their resume and cover letter to the specs of the company, increasing their chances of being chosen for the interview slot and hopefully the job,” comments Ross.
 
“Many job sites even send you an email once you are registered with them to alert you of a job which suits your interest profile,” adds Ross. However, this is a more passive approach that probably will not nab you your dream job. The best approach is still to be proactively looking and applying.
 
Once you have found an online job you are interested in Ross stresses reading the posting carefully and following the directions exactly. “If they ask for a cover letter or a particular resume format do what the application says,” she says. Remember that online applications are just that - applications that a company will use to screen you. Most are kept on file for at least one year. “The key is to ensure that everything you send in, even on applications you think are onerous or silly, is an evaluation tool for companies to view your qualifications and fit for them,” advises Ross.
 
Although it is good to circulate your resume, avoid the temptation to apply to every job listed just because it’s easy to do. “Students also need to remember what jobs they applied to and to whom they applied,” says Ross. “Nothing puts a bad taste in a recruiters mouth faster than short listing candidates and making a call to only hear silence on the other end of the line because the person you reached, who applied to your job, doesn’t remember and then asks, ‘I’m sorry what job was this for? I applied to so many I can’t remember which one this is about.’” Your brilliant cover letter and resume loses a lot of its shine when a recruiter realizes their company was not your first choice.
 
Obligatory online safety disclaimer! Remember to restrict the personal information you provide, especially when posting resumes to generic resume database companies. When you are applying to a company directly your info is usually more secure, but still think about how much info to divulge. jp