The 10 Step
Challenge Of An Effective Online Job Search
Some advise given us by an employee (who did not want to be
named) of one of the largest Recruiting Agency in Arizona
The internet is a great tool for finding jobs. But there are
right ways and wrong ways to use it. The biggest mistake is relying solely on
the internet to find and get a job. Many job opportunities are never even
posted on the internet. Even when they are, you may need the help of friends,
family, acquaintances, and sometimes people you don't even know.
This is called networking. It's often what turns a job
seeker into an applicant, and what gets an applicant an interview. After
several applications and a few interviews, you are likely to get a job offer.
The key is persistence. Looking for a job is almost always a
hard and discouraging journey. And you never know when you will arrive at your
destination. But if you take the steps below — and keep on taking them over and
over — you will almost surely get there.
1. Think carefully about the types of jobs you want, and the
types of jobs that are available near you. What do you enjoy? What are you good
at? What training do you already have, and what training would you need?
Research the jobs in which you are interested. Remember, getting a job and
being successful at it means that you will provide services for your employer.
What services will you choose to provide?
2. Find the websites of employers that need the service you
want to provide. Find an employer's website by typing the employer's name into
your browser's keyword search area. Then look for a link to the page of the
website where available positions are listed. The links will usually include
the words "jobs," "careers," "opportunities," or
"employment." You can also use multi-employer websites. You can find
many local employer and multi-employer job websites by clicking Find Available
Jobs.
3. Scan the available jobs. When you find the available
positions on a website, look down the list quickly to see if any of the jobs
look like ones that would interest you. Most will not apply to you. That's
okay. You don't need to find a thousand jobs. You only need to find one job.
And it has to be the right one. Most of the time when you scan a page of job
postings, you won't find anything interesting. That's okay too. Move on to
another page. But come back within a few days to check for new postings.
4. When you find an interesting job posting, read it
carefully. Each job posting will have a few basic parts: 1) a job name: 2) a
job description, which may include a job number; 3) a list of responsibilities,
which are the specific tasks you would be expected to do in the job; 4) a list
of requirements or qualifications, which describe the education, skills, and
experience that the employer is looking for; and 5) a link to apply online,
which may require you to set up an account with a user name and password. Write
down your user name and password, and keep them. Finally, please keep in mind
that there are scam artists who use fake job postings to take advantage of job
seekers. Learn how to protect yourself against job search fraud.
5. When you find a job posting you want to apply for, take
time for a little more research. Who else holds that job? Who supervises them?
What are their backgrounds? Is there any recent news about the employer?
Re-read the posting and circle key words. These are terms which look like they
may be especially important to the employer. Your research will help you
understand what to emphasize about your background and abilities when you are
building your application. Also, if you are using a resume and cover letter, be
sure to get the name and title of the person to whom the letter should be
addressed. If there is a job number as well as the job name, include the number
on your application or cover letter.
6. Plan and build your application. Most websites allow you
to apply with an online form. Some include a link to download a document that
you can print, fill out, and return.
Others may simply include information about where to send a resume by email or
regular mail. Whichever method you use, follow the employer's instructions
carefully. Be honest, but put yourself forward in a way that shows how closely
you conform with the employer's needs and the job's requirements. Be brief,
clear, and polite. Make sure your application contains no mistakes in spelling
or grammar.
7. Keep a record. You will need to do more than find good
opportunities and carefully craft your applications. You will probably also
need to apply for several job openings before you receive an invitation to
interview. This means you should keep a written record of which jobs you have
applied for, including a copy of the job posting and your application. Don't
rely on your memory.
8. After applying for a job, immediately begin looking for
more opportunities. You worked hard on your application, and did your best to
convince the employer that you should be invited for an interview. You almost
certainly convinced yourself. Don't be tempted to take it easy and wait for
that invitation. Go looking for the next good job posting. It's out there. And
it might just be the one that will pay off for you.
9. Check with the employer in two to three weeks. If you
have not heard from the employer by then (and you probably won't), give them a
call or stop by. Find the right manager, introduce yourself, and ask if they
need any more information about your application. If they have not yet made a
decision about who to interview, give the manager a copy of your application or
resume. Even if you have not been chosen for an interview, thank the manager
for their consideration. Keep it short, and don't ask any questions except how
you may be able to be of help. You can find some more tips on communicating
with employers here.
10. Remember that rejection is just part of the process.
Nobody likes to be rejected or ignored. But it is guaranteed to happen —
probably a lot, but probably politely — during the weeks or months that it
usually takes to find a job.
You will almost certainly apply for many jobs, and hear “no”
many times, or get no response at all, before you finally get to “yes.” But
that one “yes” is all that matters.
Accept rejection as a normal part of the process. Deal with
it by spending time with other people who will encourage you. Encourage
yourself too. If you need it, get some help to keep your household secure until
you find your job. Think of all the people you meet who have jobs, and remember
that each of them has walked down this road. If they can get to their
destinations, so can you. Rejection is unpleasant. But it is only a problem if
you let discouragement end your job search.