How to Find a Great Job Using the Internet

Would you like to make a job change? Are you returning to the workforce after an extended time away? Maybe you'd like to work part-time. Whatever the reason, using this system and giving it a little time will help you find the perfect job for you.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with internet connection.
• Current resume.
• Pen/pencil and paper.

1. Spend some time deciding on the kind of job you'd like to land. Be specific and write it down. This step must come first so you can apply for jobs that are a good fit. That way when you accept that offer, you'll feel great about it.

2. Spend some time brainstorming about places you'd like to work. Again, be specific and think about if you're more comfortable in a big organization, a small business or something in between. Maybe the nonprofit world appeals to you. Write down the names of the employers that you come up with.

3. Create a folder in your bookmarks or favorite places and give it a name such as 'job hunt' or 'career change'.

4. Visit several of the large, job hunting websites online. CareerBuilder, Monster, and Indeed (linked in references below) are three great places to start. Register with them and save them in your bookmarks.

5. At each of the major sites you've just visited, perform a search using the criteria you laid out in step one. Each of these sites will let you create a search that includes the location, type of job, part-time/full-time, salary, etc. Include any elements that are important to you. If you find you're not particular in a particular area, you can leave that search field blank. But be honest. If you really want to work close to home, don't expand the search to include employers 50 miles away. You want the job you end up with to be a great match for you.

6. After your performed the searches at the above sites and reviewed the results, save the search for future reference. All of the sites listed in Step 4 have an option to have updated searches emailed to you. This will keep you advised when new jobs matching your criteria are posted.

7. Begin visiting the websites of the employers that you listed in Step 2. Look to see if they list employment opportunities on their website. The bigger the employer, the more likely this is. Look for links at the bottom of the website labeled 'employment' or 'career'. Sometimes you'll find information about openings in the 'about us' section of the website. If you find that a website does list job openings, bookmark that page of the website in the folder you created in Step 3.

8. Visit Craigslist.com and look for your city. Under 'jobs' you'll find a variety of categories. Everything from Accounting/Finance to Writing/Editing. Explore the categories you're interested in. Again, bookmark this page in the folder you created earlier.

9. By this point in the process, you have a neat folder in your bookmarks or favorites that includes links to job openings on major job boards as well as employers that interest you. You're also be receiving emails of updated job searches that match your criteria. Continue to review these emails and visit the websites. Continue to bookmark employer websites or other job boards as you become aware of them.

10. Apply for jobs that are a good fit but continue to work the search system in the above steps. Give it as much time as you are able and soon you'll find the perfect job.

Tips & Warnings

• When applying for jobs online, you may be asked to cut and paste your resume. Formatting can often be lost when you do this. To avoid this problem, first save your resume as a plain text document and cut and paste from this file. It won't look pretty, but chances are your formatted resume won't either when they get it on the other end.

Resources

• Monster
• CareerBuilder
• Indeed
• Use ING to Save Your Paychecks
• How to Find a Great Job Using the Internet @ The Family CEO
• ING Referral Bonuses

[larynx]

on 5/11/2009 A great place to look is hound.com. they will take you directly to the employers website, so you don't have to settle for a mainstream job that recruiters post on other websites. It definitely gives you better results than sites like monster or craigslist

[LilacGirl]

on 11/19/2008 Good ideas for using the internet to get a great job!

[dickcheney]

on 7/16/2008 Good info in the article
Craigslist can be used to find a good project, but I have to use a search tool, to find what I want effectively
http://www.motiont.com/craigslistreader.aspx

[WritingFromOhio]

on 7/9/2008 I never, ever use Craigslist anymore. Every time I apply for something, all it gets me is spam. (And believe, me, I'm not clicking on the obvious spam builders!) If I don't get spam, I get someone who thinks I will redesign their company's graphics for $1 an hour.

[luv2blog]

on 7/9/2008 Great info!