Remember when you looked for your first job. You picked up a newspaper, searched the classifieds, and circled a few ads that looked promising. After that, you either mailed your resume to the employer and waited for a phone call or, you went down to the business to complete an application.
Today's job search, for the most part, does not begin with a newspaper but, on the internet. Online job boards have become the primary place for seeking employment. They are not only a place where you can search through hundreds of listings everyday but, by posting your resume, you can be exposed to numerous employers too. You have probably heard of some of the major job boards like Careerbuilder, Monster and HotJobs but, there are many smaller ones that are popping up every day. So how do you use these boards to get the job you want? Here are a few tips:
1. Register with more than one board
While major job boards can contain some of the same listings, it is wise to register with more than board. Sometimes a company will only list with a few boards and they may not be the ones you are registered with today. Also, listing with more than one board is like having a team of headhunters out there looking for a job for you. If you don't get favorable results with one, you may get them with another.
2. Look at specialized boards and company websites
Rather than looking through hundreds of jobs that are not in your field, go to specialized or company boards that are in your industry. For example, I was in the insurance industry for several years. There are several sites on the net, like GreatInsuranceJobs, that only list insurance related positions. If you know specific companies in your industry, check out their websites. They may have a job board on their sites that list current openings.
3. Post resumes that reflect the specific job qualifications
Use key words in your resume that mirror those in the job requirements. Many employers do key word searches to narrow down the number of resumes they have to review. In other words, if they are looking for a candidate who can "problem solve in a fast paced environment" they may enter the words "problem solve" as some of their key words. If you wanted your resume to come out at the top of their search, you would include the words "problem solve" in your description of your responsibilities and experience.
4. Make sure your resume is readable
If you attach a resume to an online application, make sure it is in a format that can be read by the employer. Many companies are still using older versions of Word, so if you have a more recent version, you will need to convert your document, so it can be opened by the HR person. If there are any doubts, many sites also give you the option of cutting and pasting your resume.
5. Watch out for scams
Even the most reputable job boards have the occasional scammer post a listing. These people may list a job that requires little or no experience but promises high pay. When you go to the site, they require you to buy equipment or some book without any promise of a job.
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