Buzz
The internet offers a wealth of opportunities for job seekers, but without a clear strategy, it can feel overwhelming. To make the most of online job hunting, focus on strengthening your digital profile by setting up a professional website and/or LinkedIn profile. Explore job postings across various platforms, from alumni networks to general job boards. Once you find a position that catches your eye, act quickly and submit a well-prepared application with strong supporting documents.
Steps
Building a Strong Online Profile
Create a LinkedIn profile. LinkedIn is one of the primary social platforms where employers look for potential candidates. Setting up your profile is straightforward, with step-by-step guidance and prompts provided by the site. After completing your profile, start connecting with friends, family, and professional contacts. You can also request introductions to others from your connections, which helps broaden your job search network.
- Ensure your profile is fully complete. Take time to answer all prompts and upload relevant professional documents. Whenever you update your resume, make sure to upload the new version to LinkedIn.
- As you observe who views your LinkedIn page, don’t hesitate to reach out for advice or help. Many valuable professional connections are made this way.
- ZoomInfo is another useful platform for online job hunting. Creating an account grants you access to current contact information for companies.
Eliminate or bury any negative search engine results. Type your full name and initials into different search engines to see what appears. Many hiring managers will do this as well, so it’s a useful way to understand what they might come across. Take note of any unfavorable results, and work on either removing them or pushing them down in the search rankings. The most effective way to do this is by posting positive updates about yourself on social media or other websites, then waiting for those to gain visibility.
- If your name doesn’t appear in search results at all, that can also be an issue. Continue monitoring these searches as you upload your resume to job boards.
Remove unprofessional content from your social media. Go through each social media platform, such as Facebook, and review your profile from top to bottom. Delete any posts or photos that might be seen as unprofessional or inappropriate.
Set your social media profiles to 'Private.' Access the “Settings” menu on each of your social media accounts. Adjust your privacy settings to “Private” or “Not Public.” This will restrict the amount of personal information available about you online.
Contribute to or start your own professional blog or website. Engage with professional blogs or websites in your field by commenting or submitting your own posts. Try to build connections with other like-minded individuals you encounter online. You could also upload videos of professional presentations you’ve given.
- Consider creating your own blog or website. This gives you the chance to control what shows up when someone searches for you. Focus on sharing professional content and use it as an opportunity to network with others in your industry.
Excelling in the Job Hunt
Focus on jobs that match your previous experience and skills. Use your work history and skill set to identify job roles that you are qualified for and interested in pursuing. A scattered approach to job hunting can waste valuable time, so the sooner you focus your efforts, the more effective your search will be.
- For instance, simply stating that you're interested in “sales” is too broad. Narrow your search by considering what type of sales you enjoy, what environment you want to work in, and your salary expectations.
- Once you've defined your search, compile a list of specific keywords to use in job search engines. Instead of just “sales,” try more focused terms like “auto sales.”
Explore general job search websites. Websites like Monster, Askalo, or Indeed host a vast number of job listings across various industries. The main advantage of these sites is the sheer volume of opportunities, but the downside is the intense competition for each listing.
- Many of these platforms also allow you to upload your resume for employers to review. If possible, take advantage of this option.
- It’s also wise to enable email notifications for specific job categories so you’ll be alerted whenever relevant positions are posted.
Leverage social media networks. Once you begin your job search, post about it on your social media platforms to let your contacts know you’re looking. Highlight your qualifications and the types of roles you're interested in. End your post by asking for help, whether it’s by sharing your post or connecting you with relevant people.
- For example, you might write: “As many of you know, I left my role at MTC, Inc. last week, and I’m now looking for a position in print marketing. Ideally, I’d love to stay in the Denver area. If you have any leads or contacts I could reach out to, I’d greatly appreciate it!”
- Don’t hesitate to share your job search on social media. Most people have been in your shoes and will understand your situation.
- You can also post images of yourself working in a professional setting. For instance, if you're a teacher, you might share pictures of you engaging with students or teaching in a classroom. However, some people prefer to keep platforms like Facebook and Instagram strictly personal, which is perfectly fine as well.
Visit government job boards. Government websites offer a range of job listings, from general federal roles on sites like usajobs.gov to more specialized search engines focused on particular types of government jobs or positions in specific cities. These sites typically have fewer issues with fraud than private sector job boards.
Check out professional association websites. Make a list of professional organizations related to the field you want to work in. Visit their websites to see if they offer job search resources for members or the public. Many of these associations also provide mentorship opportunities for newcomers to the industry.
- For example, the American Historical Association (AHA) has a job board that features new job postings with descriptions and contact details.
- Other organizations, such as Playbill, offer informal listings of job opportunities.
Utilize college and university alumni networks. If you're a graduate, don’t hesitate to reach out to alumni during your online job search. Many universities and colleges have active alumni networks and may even post job opportunities. By becoming involved, you could make valuable professional connections that lead to job prospects as well.
Explore local company websites. Many businesses post job openings on their own websites before listing them on general job boards. These postings often include more detailed information than what you'll find elsewhere. If you’re targeting a specific company, browsing their website will also give you direct access to their HR department’s contact details.
Successfully Applying for Jobs
Craft a thorough resume. Your resume should include your current job title, past work experiences, relevant skills, and educational background. At the top, include your name and contact details. Save your resume in multiple formats (PDF, DOC) to ensure it can be easily emailed.
- It's beneficial to customize your resume for specific job listings. For example, if a job ad mentions they need an “experienced technician,” be sure to use those exact words in your job description as well.
- Ensure your contact information, especially your email, sounds professional. Employers aren’t looking for someone with an email like “[email protected].”
Write a compelling cover letter. Most employers will ask for a cover letter to accompany your resume and contact details. In your letter, take the time to elaborate on the qualifications listed in your resume. Aim to convey both your personality and your professional expertise in the letter.
Only apply if you're qualified. It's smart to quickly apply for jobs that align with your skills and interests, but make sure you're not wasting time on positions you're not truly suited for. Instead, focus on enhancing your resume and expanding your online search efforts.
Follow up on your application after 2 to 3 weeks. If you applied through an online platform, you may be able to log back in and check the status of your submission. If you sent your application by email or mail, wait for 2 to 3 weeks before following up. You can either call or email the company’s HR department.
- When reaching out, include your full name, reference number (if provided), and the date you originally applied.
- Be sure to follow any specific instructions the employer has given about following up. For example, some employers might prefer that you not contact them at all or only reach out after a specific period.
Be cautious of online job scams. Stay vigilant during your online job search. Never apply for positions that ask for a downpayment to be considered. Additionally, be careful about the personal information you share in job applications, and avoid providing banking or credit card details.
- If a job posting seems too good to be true, take a moment to reconsider before applying.
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Be patient during your job search. It may take several weeks or even months before your efforts start to pay off with results.
Important Warnings
- It’s generally not advisable to apply for multiple positions at the same company simultaneously. Doing so may give the impression that you lack focus and direction in your job search.
